The Dis-Chem group has confirmed that twenty-four staff members at a branch in Boksburg have tested positive for COVID-19.
“All of these are symptom free,” said Dis-Chem national clinic manager, Lizeth Kruger, following the testing of 132 employees.
Kruger reportedly said, the first positive diagnosis was made on 9 April. Health department protocol, which requires all close contacts be put in isolation and screened, was followed shortly after.
“The store was professionally cleaned. In addition, it took the precaution of testing the entire staff complement and any with symptoms were self-isolated immediately.”
“Three additional staff members, who were both asymptomatic, then tested positive and were immediately quarantined in line with Department of Health protocol. All were tested again on Thursday, and an additional 20 asymptomatic staff tested positive.”
Dis-Chem is an essential service provider and the Boksburg branch services a large percentage of the community. The group had to act quickly and received the test results within less than 24hrs. After further professional cleaning, the store reopened on Friday with a totally new staff complement.