Ambulances in Swaziland
(eSwatini) have been grounded because of lack of fuel at the height of the
coronavirus crisis. The shortage might have contributed to the death of a
teacher from the virus.
The Swazi Director of Health
Dr Vusi Magagula confirmed this to the Swati Newsweek
website.
Ambulances from Emergency Preparedness and Response (known as 977) had
been grounded because of a fuel shortage, he said.
An ambulance was not
available to take Boy Phathaphatha Magagula, a 53-year-old
teacher from Mdzimba High School,
to Lubombo
Referral Hospital after he became
sick with coronavirus (COVID-19). He later died.
Dr Vusi Magagula told Swati
Newsweek, ‘There was lack of fuel in eSwatini last week. This means the 977
ambulances had been grounded. It is true, we had such a situation. The teacher
from Mdzimba could not be picked up due to lack of fuel.’
The death toll from
coronavirus has been steadily rising in Swaziland. As of 23 July 2020 28 people
had died, according to official Ministry of Health
figures. At the beginning of the month the figure was 11. A total of
2,021 people have tested positive for the virus.
See also
EU
steps up to feed destitute during coronavirus crisis as Swaziland Govt.
stumbles to deliver aid
Only
12 Govt ambulances in kingdom
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