Four nature reserves in the Northern Cape have been identified as possible Covid-19 quarantine sites.
Zandisile Luphahla, spokesperson for the provincial Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, Rural Development, Environment and Nature Conservation, says the nature reserves that were earmarked were Goegap, Rolfontein, Doornkloof and Witsand.
Luphahla says all the facilities meet the criteria set out by the Department of Health and each nature reserve was fully inspected before confirmation for quarantine use.
He adds that all facilities at the nature reserves have been cleaned and sanitised in accordance with the requirements set out in the regulations pertaining to Covid-19.
He says that following an exemption from lockdown regulations, several nature reserves could be utilised as quarantine facilities but were, however, barred from regular operations.
The capacities are as follows: Goegap has a capacity of 46 persons, Rolfontein has 10, Doornkloof has 22 and Witsand has 54.
Medical supplies and catering will be the responsibility of the Department of Health and the Department of Public Works.
Luphahla says Nomandla Bloem, MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform, Rural Development, Environment and Nature Conservation, visited the Rolfontein nature reserve in the Pixley ka Seme District on Monday, 18 May, to assess the facility.
Enough accommodation is available at the provincial nature reserves to accommodate medical personnel should it become necessary, he says
He also indicated that game drives would not be available to patients in order to limit exposure of patients and nature reserve personnel during the quarantine period.
