There seems to be much confusion among residents in Madibeng about where to get COVID-19 vaccinations and where to test for the virus.

We have compiled a list of verified sites for COVID-19 vaccinations and tests that we are currently aware of.

Currently, COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the Brits District Hospital in Brits, Bapong Community Health Clinic, Clicks at the Shoprite Centre in Brits and Clicks at The Islands Mall in Broederstroom. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently administered

The Department of Health also has outreach teams that offer vaccinations at locations announced from time to time. A vaccination site at Hartbeespoort is planned for the coming week. Kormorant will announce the venue, date and time on our Facebook page as soon as it is available.

Vaccinations are paid for by medical aids and are free to individuals who do not have medical aid.

COVID-19 PCR laboratory testing is done at the Brits District Hospital and Lancet in Brits. A PCR test cost up to R850 at laboratories and is paid for by medical aids. People without medical aid can test free at provincial hospitals.

COVID-19 antigen rapid testing is done at the following sites:
Brits
Clicks, Dischem, Krishna Pharmacy, Arrie Nel Pharmacy and Alfa Pharmacy.
Hartbeespoort
Dischem, Arrie Nel Ifafi Pharmacy, Hartmed Pharmacy, Lifestyle Pharmacies at Mountain Lake Centre and Damdoryn.
Drive-through COVID-19 antigen rapid testing is done at Leloko Estate at De Rust (call 072 507 4399), Cradle Health Spa in Skeerpoort (call 072 373 0305) and Rapid Med on the R512 in Broederstroom (call 083 607 1101).
The antigen rapid tests are performed on a sample that is taken by swabbing the inside of your nose. These tests cost around R300 – R350.

The Antigen rapid test is a method of detecting an active infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes the illness COVID-19. These tests look for antigens, which are protein markers found on the outside of a SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Turnaround time for results is usually very quick, and results can be reported within 15 minutes.
PCR testing is considered the most reliable in SARS-CoV-2 detection. This test actually detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the virus and can detect the virus within days of infection, even those who have no symptoms. Turnaround time is longer, but results can be in as little as 24 hours.