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The South African Congress of Trade Unions (Cosatu) in the Western Cape says it is deeply concerned about the “alarming rate of increase” in Covid-19 infections in the province.
“We are of the opinion that urgent and immediate measures are required,” the union said in a statement on Saturday.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced in a briefing on Saturday that 9,420 people had tested positive for Covid-19 in the country.
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In addition, he noted that the Western Cape remained the epicenter of the virus, with 4,809 cases.
Cosatu is particularly concerned about the large number of retail sector workers, the majority of whom are its members, who have been infected in the province.
“Shopping centers are now the new epicenters of the province, because their administration has not been able to implement adequate preventive measures,” said the union federation.
Employers
Cosatu called some employers for putting the profits on workers’ health, citing an example of workers who are allegedly instructed not to tell their colleagues if they were infected.
“Our province faces the greatest health crisis in history. Consequently, Cosatu calls for immediate and urgent intervention by the national government.
“We need a coordinated response to slow the spread of further spread of the virus in this province,” said Cosatu.
News24 previously reported on its live broadcast that Mkhize, in his briefing, had noted that the Western Cape tests were obtaining almost 70% positive results, according to laboratory reports.
Infections
“It is no secret that the Western Cape has recorded at least 50% of all known cases of Covid-19 infection nationwide,” added Cosatu.
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As a result, the union federation has called on the police and army to have a greater presence in the province’s shopping centers and hot spots.
He also asked workers and their families to help flatten the curve by staying home.
“It is our opinion that if urgent preventive measures are not taken now immediately, we will see a disaster of unprecedented proportions,” the union concluded.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit the province next Friday, according to the Mkhize.
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