Although no case has been recorded in the Free State at this point, Tsiu says preparation for any eventuality have been put in place, adding he is certain they will be able to treat those infected.

Speaking to the media during an oversight inspection of the Pelonomi Hospital's Isolation Unit, Tsiu said they have designated two ambulances in Mangaung and two in different districts, specifically to deal with COVID-19.

This includes a team of specialists and emergency services personnel. Acting Deputy Director-General of Clinical Services, Dr Marcus Molokomme, adds that systems have been put in place at Pelonomi and he is confident that the province will be able to address the COVID-19 outbreak, should there be any cases in the province.

"Pelonomi, as we speak now, is a designated national site in terms of infectious disease, not necessarily just for the Coronavirus. We dealt with Ebola and other fevers. In terms of the guidelines provided for COVID-19, we are ready as Pelonomi. We are able to receive up to 29 patients that we can strictly isolate as per the WHO guidelines".

Tsui's assurance of the Free State's state of readiness comes as the number of those infected in Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape collectively stands at 62.

Tsui acknowledged that the shortage of medical personnel might pose a challenge, should the number of those infected exceed their expectations, but assures Free State residents that they are doing the best they could to ensure that the province would be able to provide the best medical care to any COVID-19 patients.

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