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Johannesburg – The South African government has officially announced that the country is experiencing a second wave of the new coronavirus pandemic.
This week, Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize said that South Africa met the second wave criteria formulated by scientists and modeling teams.
Dr. Mkhize said that the four Western Cape provinces, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng had seen an increase in COVID-19 infections and deaths.
“The key issues we have raised are that provinces need to ensure that test response times are as fast as possible to facilitate patient flow, assess bed capacity, including removal of beds from hospitals. campaign, meet the needs of personnel and equipment urgently and strengthen supervision and evaluation and reporting to the national department, “said the minister.
On Thursday, South Africa registered 6,709 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 828,598. South Africa is the worst affected country in Africa.
“Most of the new cases today are from the Western Cape (30 percent), followed by the Eastern Cape (24 percent), then KwaZulu-Natal, which accounted for 23 percent, and Gauteng, 17 percent. Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West each accounted for one percent of new cases, respectively, while the Northern Cape accounted for less than one percent, ”he added.
The minister also expressed concern about the high school year-end parties, saying they were COVID-19 super spread events.
“The other seriously worrying issue that I must bring to the public’s attention, first of all, is that when we were on the plateau, we had a 10 percent positivity rate. As of today (Thursday), the rate is 18 percent. But some provinces are much higher than 18 percent; 18 percent is now the average for the entire country.
“In recent days, the age distribution has also shown a different pattern from the norm. The maximum age in this period is now 15 to 19 years. This is a new topic and this is what worries you the most. It is believed to be due to a series of large parties with young people drinking alcohol without adhering to non-pharmaceutical interventions. We received a report from KZN (Kwa-Zulu Natal) where it could be seen that this pattern is much more widespread than previously thought ”.
The minister added that if this trajectory continues, the country’s health systems would be overwhelmed; and the recommendations presented by the provinces include those that contain large gatherings and parties. The cabinet would consider all matters comprehensively before making a decision on whether or not to institute a strict lockdown.
“The restrictions are to ensure that it is not for fun in an irresponsible way to the detriment of fellow South Africans. 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, ”said Dr. Mkhize.
