Health
(a) What is the current bed occupancy rate at quarantine and isolation facilities in the province and (b) what are the reasons for this rate?
(a) As received from the Department of Transport and Public Works (who manages these facilities): as on 6 July 2020 there were 4 296 activated beds of which 986 were occupied (22,9%). This leaves 3310 beds available.
(b) The Department of Health makes extensive and exhaustive attempts to offer isolation and quarantine facilities to all patients who test positive for Covid-19, and all of their contacts. The recent court ruling now allows persons to quarantine or isolate at home if they so desire, but we continue to encourage people to take up accommodation at one of our dedicated sites. The obstacles have been a range reasons given (patients being concerned about personal belongings, family support and personal comforts). The Department has allocated resources to guide people to make use of these facilities.
