KZN expected to be the next epicentre, Health Minister cautions
Dr Zweli Mkhize said his department is in discussions with the province on how to move ahead, as infections are expected to peak in the next few weeks.
WHILE the number of new Covid-19 cases is stabilising in the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal is expected to join Gauteng as the country’s epicentre, Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has warned.
“In the country, Gauteng is still at the top of the rate of infections. KwaZulu-Natal is taking over now,” Mkhize said.
Gauteng remains the hardest-hit province with 133 617 confirmed Covid-19 cases, while KwaZulu-Natal has 45 614 infections.
Mkhize said his department is in discussions with the coastal province on how to move ahead, as infections are expected to peak in the next few weeks. He said the goal now is to avert a shortage of beds and oxygen.
As we head towards surge, it is very important that all South Africans keep their masks on, sanitise and practice social distancing. #LSDHVisit pic.twitter.com/WmSxvIPJ0p
— Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) July 20, 2020
He added the drop in trauma patient numbers gave them a huge advantage and will assist clinicians with dealing with Covid-19 patients in the next few weeks.
“Until the surge hits you, you don’t know how to behave. You will only know when you are in the heat of it,” said Mkhize.
He also expressed gratitude for the work done by healthcare professionals and those who have sponsored oxygen concentrators, while his department also procures devices.
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