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Medical experts and government officials have raised concerns about the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus cases in South Africa.
On Thursday (October 22), the country reported 2,156 new cases, bringing the total number of reported cases in the country to 710,515.
Deaths have reached 18,843 (a daily increase of 102), while recoveries have risen to 642,560, leaving the country with a balance of 49,112 active cases.
This is the second day in a row that South Africa has reported an increase of more than 2,000 cases, with 2,055 new cases reported on Wednesday.
Covid-19 ministerial advisory council co-chair Professor Salim Abdool Karim says South Africa has seen a slow and steady increase in the total number of cases nationwide, since the beginning of the month.
In an interview with EncanKarim said the increase in infections in the country was not “alarming”, but there is concern about the trend that could “get worse” in the future.
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize also warned that South Africa is seeing a ‘worrying increase’ in coronavirus infections, especially in the Western Cape.
“As a government, we have a responsibility to alert you when we see worrying trends. It would be irresponsible of us to ignore ‘little flames’ that we see redevelopment in some parts of the country, ”he said Wednesday.
Mkhize said similar trends were seen in South Africa at the start of its coronavirus pandemic, which quickly led to a greater burden on the healthcare sector.
“I wish to draw the attention of all South Africans that our epidemiological reports are showing that in the country, during the last seven days there has been an increase of 9.1% in new cases. Likewise, in the last 14 days there has been an increase of 10.7%.
“We are also seeing worrying increases in some of the provinces. To illustrate this, in the last 7 days, there was a marked increase in the number of new cases in the Western Cape. “
Mkhize encouraged all provinces to pay attention to this growing number and quickly prepare a response, including contact tracing and quarantine.
“We must mention that the rate of new infections and deaths will inform the recommendations that the Department of Health makes to the National Coronavirus Council,” he said.
Pandemic fatigue
While government and health officials have encouraged South Africans to continue to follow health and safety guidelines, investigation shows that “pandemic fatigue” has set in for many South Africans.
A survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) shows that there is greater complacency in complying with public health measures, increasing the unnecessary risk of exposure to Covid-19 during lower levels of lockdown.
These latest findings come from a survey conducted between July 3 and September 8, during which South Africa’s alert levels gradually relaxed.
Key findings show show that:
- Four in ten adults believe that the threat of the coronavirus is exaggerated;
- One in three adults does not always wear a mask when leaving home;
- The fear of Covid-19 is decreasing;
- Confidence in the president is declining.
“These and other findings combined point to pandemic fatigue,” the HSRC said.
“This is important to take note of, as any premature reduction in preventive behaviors poses a significant challenge to our ability to fight the virus.
“Professor Abdool Karim, chairman of the Covid-19 ministerial advisory group, has similarly warned of complacency, mass gatherings, and easing of travel restrictions as factors likely to make a second wave in the country inevitable.” .
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