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Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize has expressed concern about the growing number of coronavirus cases in South Africa, with the country now reporting an average of more than 2,000 new cases per day.
Talking to 702, Mkhize said that after a decline in cases during July and August, the number of daily cases has “increased” slowly over the past three weeks.
“I am very concerned and I think it is important for all South Africans to worry. The real problem is that the numbers should be falling or stabilizing at a lower level, ”he said.
He said that at the beginning of the lockdown, most South Africans took health and safety messages seriously, but that this has been replaced by complacency as people don’t wear masks and “act like life has returned to life. The normality”.
“The numbers (show) foci of cluster sprouts and we have certainly seen that in some provinces the numbers are becoming prominent.
“A few weeks ago we were concerned about the Western Cape, although that seems to have been resolved, and now we are concerned about the Eastern Cape. “
Mkhize said there are some areas in the province that are seeing more cases than during the peak of the coronavirus lockdown. The number of hospital admissions and deaths attributed to Covid-19 is also increasing.
There are also concerns about increased movement and socializing during the holiday season. Despite these concerns, Mkhize said that The government is not yet considering a blockade during the Christmas period..
“At the moment, we are not at a point where we are talking about a (tougher) lockdown, but everyone should know that they are supposed to observe all containment measures.
“But if we are not able to contain, and an entire area sees a large expanse, then that will make us consider stricter measures. At this time, we have not decided that there will be restrictions or a closure during Christmas, but it is a cause for concern. “
Mkhize said that if mass movements, unsafe social gatherings and masks are not worn during the festive season, the country is likely to see an increase in cases and that restrictions may return.
South Africa reported 2,888 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday (November 18), bringing the reported total to 757,144.
Deaths have reached 20,556 (a daily increase of 123), while recoveries have risen to 701,534, leaving the country with a balance of 35,054 active cases.
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