Aberdeen woman (78) tests positive for Covid-19

ABERDEEN NEWS - A second Aberdeen resident has tested positive for Covid-19.

The woman (78) is a resident of Aalwynhof Home for the Aged, and is a close friend of the first Aberdeen patient.

As she had been in contact with him after his symptoms first appeared, the home had confined her to her room for the past two weeks.

On Thursday afternoon, it was confirmed that she had tested positive for the virus. Initially she was put into isolation at the home, but then on Friday afternoon she was transferred to Midland Hospital in Graaff-Reinet. According to Siyanda Manana, spokesperson for the EC Department of Health, the patient has no symptoms, but was admitted to hospital as a precautionary measure due to her age.

Diane Nel, the chairperson of Aalwynhof’s board, said that all residents and members of staff at the home were tested on Friday morning. “Members of staff have been issued with special hospital masks, aprons and gloves to wear, and the patient’s room has been sanitised from ceiling to floor,” said Nel. She added that the staff has been warned to self-isolate at their homes outside of working hours, and that If any member of staff feels ill, she should not go to work, but must contact the hospital immediately.