THE KZN Executive Council has urged people to avoid attending or planning major events during the festive season amid a rise in Covid-19 infections.

While not mentioned as a hot spot during the president’s recent address, KZN is currently fourth-ranking in terms of laboratory-confirmed cases countrywide, contributing 16 per cent to total new cases.

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As of Wednesday, 2 December, KZN recorded 544 new cases and five Covid-19 related deaths.

King Cetshwayo remains the district with the third-highest infection rate in KZN at 10 802 cases and 279 deaths.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Premier, the executive council highlighted the fact that South Africa is still in lockdown.

It reads, ‘On the advice of medical and scientific practitioners, the council resolved not to encourage the hosting of major events in the province owing to the threat and risks posed by Covid-19.’

People are encouraged to explore tourism offerings, and only host small family activities which don’t compromise disaster management regulations.

‘There is evidence of the second wave which is becoming real in other provinces. KZN is edging closer to the second wave cliff, according to the latest figures. The government understands the social and economic impact of not hosting major events at popular locations, however, the lives of our citizens need to be protected,’ continued the statement.

In preparing for a potential spike in cases, the government has extended contracts of 7 051 KZN healthcare workers originally recruited on a six-month contract.

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