Craig Murphy, regional director coastal for Netcare, said the hospital management took immediate action after two staff members had tested positive for COVID-19, in order to contain the spread of the infection and to identify all possible contacts.

“Deep cleaning, fogging as well as decontamination of the entire hospital with the use of a ultraviolet (UV) light robot has been completed. UV robots have proven effective in destroying viruses, bacteria and fungal spores in healthcare facilities. 

“The Western Cape Department of Labour, which inspected the hospital after its closure, gave the green light for it to re-open after they were satisfied that the hospital had been decontaminated,” Murphy explains.

“Doctors practising at the hospital have been informed of the hospital and emergency department’s re-opening.

“We apologise for any concern and inconvenience the temporary closure may have caused to the community and would like to assure them that Netcare and the hospital management will always act in the best interest of our patients, staff members and healthcare colleagues, and the community we serve.

“The hospital management is in contact with our staff members who are self-isolating for 14 days, to check on their well-being,” concluded Murphy. 

Please note: At no stage were there any patients with COVID-19 admitted to and or being treated in Netcare Ceres Hospital.