A question we’ve all been thinking about which is finally being spoken about more seriously: will we soon be put under a hard lockdown? Kwazulu- Natal’s Premier, Sihle Zikalala, has recently made a comment which makes this question seem like a possible reality, a very near one.
Looking at the statistics, we can definitely say we’ll be going back into hard lockdown if there’s no urgent and drastic change in behaviour … the second wave of COVID-19 will be strongly and deadlier. Not only in terms of taking human life, it could deal our economy a major blow.
– Sihle Zikalala
During a media briefing, Zikalala further commented that we must do everything to avoid this, and business stakeholders, particularly those in hospitality, must ensure Level 1 rules are adhered to and that “there is no use in chasing profits, only to be shut-down by a hard lockdown in the future.”
He predicts that this hard lockdown could come over Christmas, saying that complacency and non-adherence to regulations is leading to this being a possibility and that South Africa’s rising rate of infections brings concern.
Should reckless behaviour continue, the lockdown might very well be enforced over the festive season. He has said that many South Africans are not bothering to wear their masks and are still attending large gatherings.
We are, nevertheless, 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.
– Sihle Zikalala
The Premier also commented saying some alcohol outlets are breaking the rules by trading during weekends and is warning alcohol sellers to obey the law. He says that reckless trading in alcohol therefore has the potential to derail all the progress that we have made in preparing our healthcare system for a potential onslaught of Covid-19.”
Zikalala has said that COVID inspectors will be put in place to enforce greater compliance.
Our country’s Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, has also cautioned South Africans on the rising infections and a possible second wive saying that, “our epidemiological reports are showing that in the country, over the last seven days there has been an increase of 9.1% in new cases. Similarly, over the last 14 days, there has been an increase of 10.7%.”
As of 25 October, South Africa recorded a total of 715 868 confirmed cases of Covid-19 with deaths relating to the virus coming to 18 968. The country’s recoveries do however stand at 646 170 which translates to a recovery rate of 90,3%. Active cases in South Africa stands at 50 730.
South Africans are urged to continue playing their role and being safe and to do this by avoiding large gatherings, wearing masks, social distancing and to keep up with hand hygiene.
The more you understand yourself, the more silence there is, the healthier you are. —Maxime Lagacé
