Covid-19 infections rapidly increasing in Sekhukhune
The DCC also expressed concern at the fact that football tournaments continue to take place in communities and therefore increasing infection risks.
BURGERSFORT- The Sekhukhune Covid-19 District Command Council (DCC) cautioned the public about the rapid increase in coronavirus infections.
The DCC said the infection rate at the mines in Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) was diminishing, but the community acquired infections are increasing at an alarming rate, particularly in Elias Motsoaledi and Makhuduthamaga Local.
The DCC noted that an urgent intervention in hotspots is needed to avert the looming crisis as the curve is climbing fast in the District
“Health authorities are painting a frightening picture of what lay ahead of us in the coming weeks. People must do everything humanly possible to protect themselves and their loved ones by taking the risks posed by this virus seriously,” said chairperson of the DCC, Cllr Keamotseng Stanley Ramaila.
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The DCC has committed to intensify awareness campaigns by working closely with stakeholders such as traditional leaders and churches.
The DCC also expressed concern at the fact that football tournaments continue to take place in community, and therefore increasing infection risks.
“Another big problem is with regard to funerals. We’re aware that people increasingly revert to the old ways of attending funerals en masse, and we’ve agreed that municipalities must ensure there’s compliance with the 50 persons limit by intensifying monitoring of funerals,” said Ramaila.
It was also reported to the DCC that a group of community members violently chased out health workers and forcibly closed Magokobjana Clinic after another community member had tested positive to Covid-19 and subsequently passed on in hospital, after they had been transferred by healthcare workers from the clinic.
These disruptive community members insisted that the clinic be fumigated, even when health authorities inform them the facility was disinfected.
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The DCC strongly condemned the behaviour by some members of the community.
“No one must interfere with the work of healthcare centers. Closing a clinic is self-defeating and we appeal to our communities not to be misled by people who’re playing political game-plans. Leave healthcare matters to health authorities,” Ramaila added.
As of Tuesday there were 212 active Covid-19 cases in Sekhukhune District Municipality.
Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality has 76 active cases, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (73), Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (50), and Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality has 13 active cases.
The DCC reiterated its heartfelt request to the people of Sekhukhune to voluntarily placethemselves under restrictions similar to those of alert level 5, and go out only to render essential services, attend school, buy groceries and seek medical attention.
