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South Africa has officially registered more than a million cumulative cases of COVID-19, with the Department of Health announcing a total of 1,004,413.
FILE: A doctor enters the Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit (RMPRU) at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto on July 14, 2020. Image: AFP
JOHANNESBURG – The South African Medical Association (SAMA) wants the country to return to level 2 lockdown, with tighter restrictions on meetings.
South Africa has officially registered more than a million cumulative cases of COVID-19, with the Department of Health announcing a total of 1,004,413.
In the last 24-hour cycle alone, the country recorded 9,502 infections.
An additional 214 deaths have been reported, bringing the total death toll in the country to 26,735.
Healthcare workers have pointed to mounting pressures on hospitals, as doctors and nurses say they cannot cope with the growing number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals.
SAMA’s alcohol and tobacco unit director Angelique Coetzee said Sunday that the rapid spread of the virus was caused by residents not wearing masks and not following all health protocols.
Coetzee said that the level 2 lockdown should be reintroduced as meetings and drinking on the premises were a problem.
“Moving to level 2 lockdown has certain advantages, but it is not enough to lessen alcohol trauma, which is putting pressure on hospitals at the moment and we should consider suspending liquor sales at the facility until January 3.
# COVID-19 Statistics in SA as of December 27.
Use the COVID Alert SA app to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Start using this privacy-preserving app today! Add your phone to the fight! Download the Covid Alert SA app now! https://t.co/8YKEqaiiRF pic.twitter.com/N8gjUviMEg
Dr. Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) December 27, 2020
Now we have passed a cumulative million # COVID-19 cases in South Africa. We must adhere to non-pharmaceutical interventions to prevent further spread of the virus. pic.twitter.com/GopO3bJZp8
Dr. Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) December 27, 2020
To date, the total number of confirmed # COVID-19 cases is 1,004,413, the total number of deaths is 26,735, and the total number of recoveries is 844,874. pic.twitter.com/t0AidA3oyL
Dr. Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) December 27, 2020
Meanwhile, it is only a matter of time before President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation once again after presiding over an emergency meeting with the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).
The NCCC, which determines lockdown regulations, met Sunday amid a dramatic spike in COVID-19 infections.
With the government closed-lipped on exactly what was being discussed, tighter restrictions are expected to be put in place.
Cabinet spokeswoman Phumla Williams said Sunday that the results of the high-level meeting were still being discussed.
“Once that process is complete, the president will address the nation.”
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