The Department of Mineral Resources says mines have now become hotspots for Covid-19 in the province.

This, as miners from hotspot provinces like the Western Cape, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape were identified as possible sources of infections in the province.

OFM News previously reported that the MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, recently said cases of Covid-19 started to increase in the province following the outbreak and spreading of the virus in the mining sector.

The department adds that mining companies have been urged to make sure mineworkers who test positive and their contacts are isolated at quarantine sites approved by the government.

MEC Sambatha has been visiting mining houses in the province to assess the level of compliance with lockdown regulations.

Sambatha earlier indicated that miners from other provinces should be screened before they could start work.

He also said that mines that were lagging behind in terms of compliance and case management have been ordered to work with district health chief directors to ensure compliance.

OFM News