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As the number of new COVID-19 cases increases at hotspots in South Africa, new measures such as additional restrictions and mini-blocks are on the cards.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize revealed that the country registered 3,370 new coronavirus cases on Friday.
There were 86 more deaths, of which 55 came from the Eastern Cape and 19 from the Free State.
While the number of new COVID-19 cases has shown a steady increase in recent weeks, it is not the biggest concern.
The main concern is that a large number of the new cases come from a handful of hotspots in South Africa, especially the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.
Western Cape Prime Minister Alan Winde said he is deeply concerned about the increasing number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in the province.
That said, it can now be seen as an established resurgence, as the province witnessed a 52.1% increase in new cases over the past week.
This growth is primarily driven by two districts in the Western Cape: Garden Route and Cape Metro.
“My biggest concern is our health platform, which is under increasing pressure. We need to make sure that each person receives medical care when they need it, ”Winde said.
“We must not have any illusions about the seriousness of the situation and how quickly it may deteriorate further.”
A similar situation is developing in the Eastern Cape, prompting Mkhize to visit medical facilities in the province to assess their readiness for the surge in cases.
Nelson Mandela Bay is one of the coronavirus hot spots in the province, prompting the Eastern Cape Health Department to launch a new subway testing and tracking program.
Tighter measures and mini-closures
To address regional spikes in COVID-19 outbreaks, the government is considering measures such as additional restrictions and mini-closures.
SABC News reported that Mkhize will announce additional restrictions and closures for Nelson Mandela Bay to curb the infection rate.
Winde and his Western Cape Cabinet have also discussed District closure to combat the second wave of infections in the province.
He said the country cannot afford another hard blockade as it would end jobs and make the current humanitarian disaster worse.
However, they are looking for the tools available to create a “kind of mini-lock” or close a region.
Keith Cloete, head of the Western Cape Health Department, said they are considering all possibilities to stop the spread of the virus.
These include “appropriate restrictions” that can be applied at the local, municipal or provincial level.
This resonates Mkhize’s announcement that the government will discuss additional lockdown restrictions to control the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in areas like Nelson Mandela Bay.
Mkhize said the idea of using “differentiated approaches” for specific hotspot areas was first raised in May and June this year.
Under this approach, the government will seek to introduce a package of interventions in problem areas.
“When we see the numbers we do now, we need to start restricting the hours of movement, particularly at night,” he said.
“We also have to look at the numbers in the hospitals to see the impact of the pressure induced by alcohol and start discussing issues about it.”
Daily new cases in Eastern Cape (source)
Daily new cases in the Western Cape (source)
Comments from Health Minister Zweli Mkhize
Keith Cloete interview
SABC report
Western Cape Health Department proposes local restrictions
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