WILLOWMORE NEWS - Angry protesters gathered at Willowmore Provincial Hospital on Tuesday morning (2 June), with community members coming to the support of hospital staff who had gathered at the hospital’s helipad.
“We feel unsafe, and want the hospital to be closed,” said one of the personnel, saying that numerous health workers have tested positive for Covid-19.
The last update from the Department of Health on 27 May confirmed six positive cases, but according to the protesters there have been more since then.
Municipal Mayor Deon de Vos, as well as the Sarah Baartman District Mayor Eunice Kekana and officials from the Department of Health met with hospital CEO Joanie van Staden late morning, but no information is yet available on the outcome.
Van Staden was approached earlier but declined to comment. At 4pm on Tuesday afternoon, no one was answering the hospital switchboard.
Residents of Willowmore are frustrated at the reluctance of the Department of Health to inform the community about the situation. “Surely the hospital should communicate with the community, so that we know the situation at the hospital,” said one frustrated resident, who did not wish to be named.
The situation is ongoing, and more information will be communicated as it becomes available.
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