The Department of Employment and Labour announced the Free State division had registered its first COVID-19 positive case. Department spokesperson, Teboho Thejane, says the offices housing the Kroonstad labour centre will remain closed for decontamination and deep cleaning.

Officials who were in close contact with the COVID-19 positive labour official are now self-isolating at home for the mandatory 14 day period.

Come Thursday, it’ll be business as usual for employees at the labour centre who have not been identified as contacts of employee in question. Thejane says they will be expected to return to work, once the decontamination process is completed.

In the interim, residents are urged to make use of the department’s online system or drop boxes located outside the centre to make queries. The Department’s Director General, Thobile Lamati, stresses the safety of staff is important to management, and they will continue to safeguard their health by abiding by the stipulated coronavirus regulations.

The announcement of the Free State Labour Department’s first case comes at least six days after the department confirmed COVID-19 cases at its Klerksdorp, Brits and Pretoria labour centres. The Pretoria labour centre is considered the biggest in the country and the date of its reopening is yet to be confirmed.

According to national Health Department figures, the Free State has 4 524 active cases and 19 deaths. The Mangaung District continues to lead with the highest number of cases, followed by Lejweleputsa and Fezile Dabi. The latter district includes Kroonstad which falls under the Moqhaka Local Municipality.

OFM News