​Rosina Mamorobela

Efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Gauteng received another boost when a car manufacturing company, BMW Group South Africa in partnership with German government donated a screening and testing station as well as motor vehicles to be used in Tshwane District.
The vehicles consist of planned patients transport and emergency response which will be utilized even beyond Covid-19 period while the screening and testing station will be used to triage patients who are suspected of having contracted the virus.
The newly built screening and swap collection facility consists of two examination rooms, one isolation room, three toilets and an admission area for screening. 
"We are donating this facility to symbolise solidarity. When we work in solidarity as private company and the government institutions we will be able to contain the spread of the Covid 19. We are not sure as for how long the virus is going to stay with us.  But we want our communities to be safe all the times", said Tim Abbott Chief Executive Officer of the BMW
These generous donors together with the Gauteng Department of Health entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to increase the capacity of: Soshanguve Block TT Clinic; Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital; Eight secondary hospitals which includes the Jubilee and Bronkhorstspruit Hospitals as well as; four Primary Health Care Clinics within the Tshwane in the fight against the virus.  A total amount of R76 million was committed.
Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, BMW has delivered: a fully equipped ambulance vehicle - to the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital; three first responder vehicles (X3's) that will service the Ga-Rankuwa, Mabopane and Soshanguve areas as well as the screening and testing facility. 
In addition, BMW has already handed over 200 beds for Jubilee Hospital and 150 beds for Dr George Mukhari Hospitals.
Accepting the donation, Acting MEC for Health in Gauteng, Jacob Mamabolo urged residents not to let their guards down following the decline in the number of new infections for Covid-19 in the city.
"The battle is not yet over, we need to continue following guidelines and practising the golden rules including regular washing hands, social distancing and wearing of cloth masks," pleaded MEC Mamabolo.
 
Donations of much needed supplies to assist in the fight against Covid-19 are still welcome.  You can pledge your donation using the following contact details: covid19.donations@gauteng.gov.za or call 072 633 0515.