Western Cape Government Health has seen an increase in people accessing testing sites in the George sub-district. Please see below for feedback to the frequently asked questions.
I think I have Covid-19, what should I do?
If you have flu symptoms, such as fever, body ache, dry cough, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, or a loss of taste or smell, you might have Coronavirus. You must be screened by answering specific questions about your health before you can go for testing. You can use the self-screening tool on our website, www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.westerncape.gov.za%2Fcoronavirus&data=02%7C01%7CNadia.Ferreira%40westerncape.gov.za%7Cf2026903e45d4ad3c1a008d8217bf0a8%7Cae74bf7fcfc34760a1fe0731afaa5502%7C0%7C0%7C637296163491550038&sdata=gQbuqCPBBshTinL0rH7v5PkidX9WcXvvYuz9O6hHC0s%3D&reserved=0>, call our provincial hotline on 021 928 4102, or call your local facility. After completing the screening, you will be referred for testing if necessary.
Which are the public testing sites in George?
| Testing Site | Operating hours | Tel nr |
| George Triage and Testing site | 07:00 – 17:00 Monday to Sunday |
044 802 4420 |
| Themablethu Clinic | 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday |
044 814 1501 |
| Conville Clinic | 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday |
044 875 8070 / 044 814 1050 |
| Touwsranten Clinic | 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday |
044 850 1366 |
| Blanco Clinic | 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday |
044 814 1190 |
| Pacaltsdorp Clinic | 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday |
044 814 1200 |
Who can visit the testing site at George Hospital?
George Hospital has a Triage and Testing Site which is open to all members of the public who would like to be screened and tested if needed. The unit is on the hospital grounds and clearly indicated with signage. We would like to remind you that George Hospital’s Emergency Unit is for emergencies only and not for Covid-19 screening and testing. Only persons with medical emergencies should visit the emergency unit.
How long will I have to wait for my test results?
Tests results take between 3 – 5 days. In some cases it may take longer. You must isolate while you wait for your test results.
How will my test results be communicated to me?
You will receive a SMS from NHLS (National Health Laboratory Service) with your test result (positive or negative) to the contact number you provided.
Should I visit a health facility for my test results?
You should not visit any health facility to ask for test results. If you are positive, going to a facility for your test result will endanger the lives of other people. NHLS will communicate your test result to you.
Can I get a printed copy of my results from the clinic?
No, printed results will not be supplied by health facilities.
I have received my positive test result, now what?
Should you have received your positive result, you will be contacted by the contact tracing team for further instructions.
Do I need to retest after 14 days?
No follow-up testing is required or done at any of our facilities.
When you have been diagnosed with Covid -19, has had mild symptoms only, and has been in isolation for 14 days, you are considered recovered and may return to work. (This also applies to a person who self-isolates for 14 days after the onset of Covid-19 symptoms without testing). Public health facilities will not re-test anyone after 14 days of isolation. We have received numerous requests from private companies to retest their staff or to issue them with a letter to confirm that they don’t have Covid-19 anymore. The re-test will not be done, but Western Cape Government Health can issue a letter to confirm that a person is fit for work after this above period of isolation. Contact your nearest clinic for this. Testing in the public sector is free of charge. However, you will only be tested if you have been screened and meet the criteria for testing.
How can I protect myself from getting Covid-19?
Always remember the 5 golden rules of hygiene: Social distancing (keep 1.5 m away from others) and always wear a mask when in public, cough or sneeze in your elbow or a tissue, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and do not touch your face.
Where can I get more information?
Valuable information regarding Covid-19 is available at https://westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwesterncape.gov.za%2Fcoronavirus&data=02%7C01%7CNadia.Ferreira%40westerncape.gov.za%7Cf2026903e45d4ad3c1a008d8217bf0a8%7Cae74bf7fcfc34760a1fe0731afaa5502%7C0%7C0%7C637296163491689437&sdata=3DJ3Yb3KTWjeQb5ph%2BjrjHPSqRf6nJg2QEZcAJbVoz4%3D&reserved=0>