KZN health MEC warns of possible Covid-19 second wave

“THE feared, stronger and potentially deadlier second wave of Covid-19 infections could be prevented if citizens conduct themselves as though they were still under the stricter level 5 of lockdown.”

This is word from KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, who has also expressed her concerns about the apparent reintroduction of forms of risky public behaviour since the country entered into lockdown level 1.

“These include rampant partying and alcohol consumption, failure to wear face masks and adhere to social distancing, as well as the smoking of the hubbly-bubbly which is shared by groups of people and contains harmful substances, exposing users to potential Covid–19 infection through saliva.”

The MEC also expressed her worry about asymptomatic carriers of the virus interacting closely with the elderly, which could prove fatal.

“Countries such as Spain, Italy, South Korea, China, United States, and the United Kingdom, which were hardest hit by the first wave of Covid– 19, have begun seeing a resurgence of the virus in many communities. For now, South Africa’s own rate of infections has been on a downward spiral, with a recovery rate of 899 per cent.”

Simelane-Zulu further emphasised that this was no time to be complacent. From the country’s cumulative 669 498 infections and 16 376 deaths, KZN has had a total of 118 350 cases, of which 6740 are still active, with 108 993 or 92 per cent recoveries. The province has registered over 2600 deaths to date.

“We are pleading with citizens to co-operate with us, because if they don’t, we will find ourselves being hit by this second wave. The biggest challenge is that no-one knows the extent to which that second wave could affect us. Although what is clear is that it is definitely stronger than the first wave. We appeal to fellow compatriots to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wear face masks, and practice social distancing.

“It is much better and safer to stay home as much as possible, and only visit elderly people when it’s absolutely necessary. This is important because sometimes younger people may be infected but asymptomatic. This does not, however, stop them from passing the virus onto the elderly, who may become sick or even die. Government is there, but in many respects, making a difference is in our own hands. Government cannot take a mask and put it on a person. We cannot police people in everything that they do at all times. That is why as communities, we must take that responsibility.”

Notably, the MEC also announced that the department would be resuming a number of its highly effective community outreach programmes as the province forges ahead to reduce the burden of disease. This will be done in keeping with the stipulated regulations on public gatherings.  

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