Staff Reporter
Health Minister Zwelini Mkhize has made an impassioned plea to South Africans to adhere to the country’s strict regulations set out to contain the spread of COVID-19 amid fears of a continued sharp rise in cases.
In a statement released late Saturday evening — after South Africa joined the top five countries in the world most affected by the coronavirus in terms of cumulative cases — Mkhize warned the country was entering a difficult phase in the fight against the acute respiratory disease and urged communities to complement the government’s efforts by abiding with the rules.
“As government, we have mobilised every resource, every faculty and wherewithal at our disposal to effect the necessary interventions,” he said, adding the government cannot manage this unilaterally.
“Every single South African now needs to focus on adhering to recommendations pertaining to non-pharmaceutical interventions.”
Non-pharmaceutical interventions include:
- regular washing of hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub;
- practising social distancing by keeping at least 1.2 metres from the next person;
- wearing a mask at all times when out in public;
- not touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth;
- covering the nose and mouth with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- avoiding handshakes, hugs or kissing when greeting; and
- staying home when feeling unwell.
“We are extremely concerned that fatigue seems to have set in and South Africans are letting down their guard at a time when the spread of infection is surging,” Mkhize said.
“We see poor or no social distancing in communities.
“Masks are being abandoned or not worn properly and there is laxity setting in around frequent hand-washing.”
He said the government is worried this could directly influence the rise in numbers in the next two weeks.
According to the minister, the country’s ability to break the cycle of infection depends on the willingness of everyone to remain focused and disciplined and take non-pharmaceutical interventions seriously.
Mkhize reiterated there is no vaccine or cure for the disease, meaning it can only be defeated through a strict adherence to health protocols.
“We must all appreciate that there is a direct causal link between the surge of cases and our ability, or inability, to adhere to these very basic principles,” he said.
“We can beat this pandemic together. We have already proved this during the lockdown.”
South Africa now has 350 879 confirmed COVID-19 cases after 13 285 new cases were reported.
Only the United States, Brazil India and Russia are ahead of South Africa.
A total of 144 new COVID-19-related deaths were recorded, bringing the country’s total to 4 948.
At least 182 230 people have recovered from the disease
The Free State has total of 8 290 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 1 063 recoveries and 47 deaths.