Question NW855 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
08 June 2020 - NW855
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether, in light of the fact that her Department has been tasked with identifying potential quarantine sites for the Covid-19 crisis, the identification of private hotels and accommodation facilities as suitable quarantine facilities to supplement her Department’s sites is limited to those already assessed and accredited by the Department of Health; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) why is it only four- and five-star graded establishments that are identified as suitable quarantine facilities; (3) whether, in view of the fact that establishments identified as quarantine facilities may have to be activated at short notice, her Department has concluded any contracts with such establishments; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the relevant details of the contracts and (b) is the notice period that needs to be observed before persons placed in quarantine may be admitted in such establishments; (4) whether the specified establishments will be allowed to accommodate guests other than quarantined persons; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) whether the specified establishments will be required to quarantine persons for the full 14 days, especially repatriated South Africans; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the (a) details of the process that would need to be followed by a quarantined person who has negative test results to be released from quarantine before the 14 days have elapsed and (b) further relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
(1) The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) receives and enters offered facilities by private hotels into a national database. The list is submitted to the Department of Health to conduct an assessment of the facilities in line with its guidelines for quarantine and isolation in relation to COVID 19: Exposure and Infections.
(2) No, not only four- and five-start graded establishments are used. There are hotels lower than four and five-star graded establishments that are offered, assessed and declared suitable quarantine facilities.
(3) The Department concludes agreements with establishments.
(a) Standard service level agreement outlining the obligations of both parties.
(b) There is no notice period. The Department issues a letter of appointment to the establishment upon receipt of confirmation of the number of people that will be quarantined from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
(4) The establishment also accommodates staff that will be serving the quarantined people. This includes medical staff.
(5) The DPWI does not decide how long people are required to stay at quarantine and isolation facilities. This decision is the responsibility of the Department of Health.
(a) not applicable
(b) not applicable