Health minister warns South Africans to expect ‘different’ Covid-19 festive season
While some parts of the country were seeing 'cluster outbreaks' they do not suggest a second wave in infections like in Spain and France, says health minister Zweli Mkhize. said
South Africans should expect a somewhat different Christmas this year thanks to Covid-19, according to health minister Zweli Mkhize.
Speaking at a virtual media briefing on Sunday, Mkhize said while there might not be a lockdown this December, the public needed to incorporate Covid-19 health regulations in festive activities.
“Let’s prepare ourselves for a slightly different Christmas,” he said.
“I am not talking about lockdown, but changing how we do things. We do not want people to end up with an infection. The day-to-day festivities have to be done differently, keeping in mind that Covid-19 still exists.”
Mkhize said sustaining Covid-19 safety measures was difficult as regulation fatigue set in among the public.
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However, preventative measures such as wearing masks and washing hands regularly should remain important to keep safe during this festive season.
While other countries such as Spain and France were facing a resurgence in infections, Mkhize said some parts of South Africa were seeing cluster outbreaks, but these were not suggesting a resurgence of infections.
“The cluster outbreaks in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape do not necessarily mean the country will go into an infection resurgence immediately. If we manage the cluster outbreaks well, we will not see a rise in infections in other parts of the country,” Mkhize said.
“We are doing more tests in these provinces as well as the Free State as it experiences its first wave. It is important for us to share that we are observing these areas closely.
“We also need to intensify our efforts in educating in preventative measures again, heading into the festive season. We need to look at these measures again.”
Mkhize said the health department has drafted a resurgence plan in case of the second Covid-19 wave.
He hinted the department also developed a social behaviour campaign taking realities of the festive season into account
“Focus will be on making common activities safe, particularly highlighting the importance of strict quarantine and isolation.”
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