GEORGE NEWS - The old school building of Hope Church in Wilderness Heights has been identified as a possible Covid-19 isolation centre for those who cannot self-isolate at home. 

In response to a call made to all to make available all possible resources to facilitate government, Hope Church Wilderness Heights has prepared 27 beds in the hall.

Nadia Ferreira, spokesperson for the Department of Health, has confirmed that the building has been approved as an isolation centre.

Reaction
However, residents of Wilderness Heights are up in arms. They heard that members of their community will be in contact with infected people in the isolation centre, cooking and cleaning for them, and fear that outsiders will expose their vulnerable community to the dreaded disease. 

Colin Wildeman, a community leader, said they were not informed of the church's decision. "And will the church allow community members who are not part of the church to stay there?" he wanted to know.

Paul and Marinette van Coller, pastors of Hope Church, were also very concerned to learn of purported threats by community members to rather burn down the building than "bring sick people into their community". 

"This is just a precaution as residents of the informal settlement might have nowhere to isolate. As Christians we will do everything we can to help those in need. 

"The church is working alongside Eden municipality [Garden Route District Municipality] in their efforts. We are under their authority and following their guidance as well as that of the Department of Health," they said.

Ferreira addressed the residents’ fears. She said the hall will be used only if truly necessary, and only for patients from the district who are asymptomatic or with no serious symptoms. 

Food will not be prepared at the site, but will be delivered, and the cleaner will have no direct contact with the patients. She assured the public that every precaution has been taken for the safety of patients, staff and the public.

Safety precautions in place
The municipality has put all necessary precautions in place for the isolation centre, and such have been approved by the Department of Health:

• A health practitioner will check on individuals daily;

• All personnel involved have received thorough safety training;

• Refuse removal will be conducted according to strict safety regulations;

• Trained security will be on site;

• Sanitation resources such as soap, gloves, masks and hand sanitisers will be provided for all those on site;

• An on-site manager will be supervising and monitoring that all the precautions are adhered to: and

• A trained household aide in full personal protective equipment will be cleaning the rooms.

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