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Scientists have noted complacency and super-spread events as some of the key drivers of the second wave taking over Europe, which is once again the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, and are calling on South Africans to learn from the mistakes of Europe.
FILE: Two men enjoy beers at a street-side bar in Cape Town city center on Aug. 18, 2020, after South Africa moved to level 2 of the coronavirus lockdown. Image: AFP
JOHANNESBURG – As a second wave of COVID-19 hits Europe and forces many countries back into lockdown, scientists in their homeland have recognized the fatigue and complacency that have come before the holiday season and are calling on South Africans to “hold on.”
Experts are closely monitoring the rise in infections in Germany, Italy, the UK, Austria, Belgium, France and Spain.
Many warn that it is likely to be a dark and gloomy December if the number of cases continues to increase exponentially across Europe.
It will soon be a year since the coronavirus outbreak was recognized in Wuhan, China.
Scientists have spent 2020 pleading with people to stay away from social gatherings, to work from home, and to wear a mask when they have to venture out.
It is the end of the year and many South Africans see it as a time to hold end of the year functions and spend time with family.
But the chairman of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, said that now is not the time to forget that we are in the grip of a global pandemic.
“People are tired, frustrated, irritated and just want it to end. We control our risks and we control our country’s risk. If we are a little more careful … we just have to hang on there.”
Wits’ vaccine professor Shabir Madhi said the country was already experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and was not surprised.
“When touring South Africa right now, people have become more complacent in terms of wearing facial markings, in terms of physical distancing, in terms of avoiding overcrowded places. Complacency has crept in.”
Scientists have noted complacency and super-spread events to be some of the key drivers of the second wave taking over Europe, which is once again the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.
They ask South Africans to learn from the mistakes of Europe.
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