The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth has reportedly been identified as an isolation site to treat Covid-19 patients.

In an interview with the DispatchLIVE website, Nelson Mandela Bay acting mayor Thsonono Buyeye said the city is actively taking steps against the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The stadium – which is used by the Kings as their home ground during the Pro14 – will, according to the report, be used as a site to allow for those suffering from Covid-19 to be effectively isolated and treated.

‘We know that many of our people will have difficulty with self-isolation, due to housing and other social challenges,’ Buyeye said.

‘The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is an asset of government with world-class infrastructure perfectly suited to respond to the current pandemic.’

Buyeye added that the city is busy converting some of the hospitality suites in the stadium to isolation rooms and doctors facilities and that it should be ready to receive patients in the next few days.

The stadium was originally built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but has since been the home ground of the EP Elephants and Kings – who used to play at the famous Boet Erasmus stadium.

Photo: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images