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Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize says he is concerned about an apparent increase in coronavirus cases in South Africa.
In a statement Wednesday, Mkhize said this wave of cases will be considered by the Health Department as it makes new recommendations to the government’s National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).
“As a government, we have a responsibility to alert them when we see worrying trends. It would be irresponsible of us to ignore the ‘small flames’ that we see redevelopment in some parts of the country, “he said.
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 said the province saw a 42% increase in new infections. He said government terminology defines this significant increase in new cases in the Western Cape as a “resurgence.”
“The Western Cape Provincial Health Department has identified specific groups that are responsible for the increase in cases and has reported that each of these groups has been investigated and a detailed response to the outbreak is being prepared.
“We have noted that the largest cluster outbreak has been identified to be in the southern sub-district in the Cape metro, and this has been associated with a super spreader event at a bar.
“We expect more reports from Western Cape health response teams, who must now target sub-districts with a large increase in new cases in the last two weeks.”
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.
“As we continue to monitor the development of a vaccine, the only weapon we have as a country is our social behavior and constant adherence to health protocols. We must all assume this responsibility and always encourage those around us ”.
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