[ad_1]
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize warned that if South Africa’s current Covid-19 trajectory continues, the country’s health systems will be overwhelmed.
In response, he said the country’s provincial governments are considering recommendations on how to hold large gatherings and parties.
He said the final decision on these recommendations will be made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, following discussions with the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).
When asked if South Africa could return to a higher level of lockdown, Mkhize said provincial governments, district municipalities and stakeholders have been asked for plans and proposals to be presented for consideration by the NCCC and the cabinet. .
Mkhize said it is not possible to know what level of restrictions could be introduced, but said there has to be some way to encourage responsible behavior by South Africans and discourage complacent behavior.
“Once all of these questions have been raised together, we can get a more definitive answer on how best to move forward. But that will be after the cabinet and President Ramaphosa give a speech, then we will have a clear direction, “he said.
For now, Mkhize said the focus will remain on containment measures like face masks, social distancing and good hygiene practices.
“Yes, (the) holiday season is a time for us to relax and enjoy ourselves with our families, but now we must understand that we have a responsibility to enjoy ourselves with various restrictions.
“If our enjoyment is going to lead to more people getting sick, being admitted and even some losing their lives, it is not a responsible way to have fun. We need to prepare for a different holiday season. “
Second wave
At a press conference on Wednesday (December 10), Mkhize announced that South Africa has entered a second wave of Covid-19 infections.
He said the key drivers of this new wave are the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
“We looked at the number of tests performed, the rate of positivity, the number of positive cases, the percentage of positives, the number of people entering and the number of deaths.
“All of these together should show an indication of an increase in a period from week to week over a period of seven days. So we conclude that there is an increase, “he said.
On Wednesday, South Africa reported 6,709 new cases, bringing the total reported to 828,598.
Deaths have reached 22,574, a daily increase of 142, while recoveries have risen to 754,658, leaving the country with a balance of 51,366 active cases.
Read: Mkhize Declares Second Wave of Covid-19 in South Africa as New Cases Surpass 6,000 in One Day
[ad_2]
