In a recent media briefing, KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala urged all members of the community to continue following the rules and regulations set out by government, as there are strong indications that the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is still alive and well.

The number of confirmed cases since the beginning of October has increased by 1720, which brings KZN to 122,138 confirmed Covid-19 cases. The overall provincial percentage shows an increase of 28% in just one month.

Also read: 9-month-old infant brutally raped

The KZN Premier condemned the reckless behaviour exhibited by members of the public. “We are deeply bothered by the largely care-free attitude that has been displayed by some citizens of this province, particularly since our downgrading to Lockdown Alert Level 1. Despite our warnings about tangible examples of a second wave of infections and deaths, it seems that many people have thrown all caution to the wind and gone back to their old ways. Gone are the masks and sanitizing of hands, as well as adhering to social distancing. In many instances, you’d swear there was no Covid-19 lurking; let alone the fact that we are still under a National Lockdown,” he said.

The Premier continued by stating that if people continue on this “don’t care” path, there are strong chances that a ‘hard lockdown’ will be brought back into effect. “If there is no urgent and drastic change in behaviour, let me make this clear: a second wave of Covid-19 will be stronger and deadlier, not only in terms of taking human lives. It could deal our economy a major blow.

“All right-thinking citizens should be doing everything in their power to avoid this. In this regard, we call upon the business community – particularly those who are in the food and hospitality sector and elsewhere – to ensure that there is strict adherence to Alert Level 1 Lockdown regulations. There is no use in chasing profits today, only to be shut down by a ‘hard lockdown’ tomorrow.”

Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or  for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!