The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West has, on Tuesday, 05 May 2020, submitted a Promotion to Access Information Act (PAIA) application to the Provincial Department of Health, compelling them to release accurate, detailed Covid-19 statistics including the targeted number of daily tests, actual tests conducted and testing backlog on a daily basis. The party claims to have in several unsuccessfully instances attempted to obtain these statistics.

According to the DA North West Spokesperson on Health and Social Development, Gavin Edwards, they party has noted the regular communication on the number of infections, recoveries and fatalities, the release of data on patients screened and tested per district and sub-district on a daily basis, is vital to form a complete picture of community transmissions. However, Edwards stressed that the daily release of detailed Covid-19 data will serve as a true reflection of the Department’s efforts in keeping the virus at bay.

“It will further ensure that the public stays informed of the latest developments, which will in turn keep the Department accountable for any backlogs in screening and testing of patients that could contribute to the current low infection rate in the province.” Edward’s explained further.

The Department of Health in the North West Province has rebuked the opposition parties claims, calling them unfounded. According to the department’s provincial spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, “The Department releases accurate COVID-19 data almost daily and such is public information that we even send out to all media houses as media statements. The Department has been open and releases information on number of people screened, tested, positive and recovered all the time.”

The DA reiterated that A targeted approach to testing, tracing and tracking while meeting daily testing targets are vital to flattening the curve. “The DA will continue to fight for the daily communication of accurate, transparent information on Covid-19 data.” Said Edwards.

-The VIP Team

-DA NW Media

-NW DoH