Staff Reporter
Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela is not happy with the carefree attitude shown by some people towards the deadly coronavirus and has warned stricter control measures could be introduced in the province.
“This is a very difficult time . . . as South Africa grapples with the second wave of COVID-19 infections,” Ntombela said during a media briefing in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.
“Our people have become complacent and, as such, over the past few weeks we have seen some of the highest numbers of infections, admissions to hospital and deaths recorded in the districts in which we live,” she added.
A concerned Ntombela said the virus has been spreading at an alarming rate in all district municipalities in the province in recent weeks and young people were among those who have contracted the virus.
“We are seeing the younger generation being infected due to their entertainment habits despite the lockdown regulations in place,” she said.
“Adults, sadly, should also shoulder the blame as younger people mimic the behaviour of the older generation, (and this) has burdened the health system.”
The premier warned that not complying with recommended measures gives the virus the opportunity to spread, putting everyone at risk and thereby putting more pressure on health workers.
“None of us are immune, and the more we fight to break the chains of transmission and stop the virus ourselves, the more we will avoid severe cases and unnecessary deaths,” said Ntombela.
She singled out Lejweleputswa district and Mangaung Metro as the worst affected areas in recent weeks although the situation was gradually changing as they no longer have clearly defined hotspots.
The infections however continue to spread to other parts particularly the townships.
She said law-enforcement officers are overly stretched focusing on COVID-19 compliance, protocols and regulations, leaving a vacuum for criminals to exploit.
“To combat this, we have requested the participation of other government departments to provide assistance with the following: to monitor funerals and gatherings, where social distancing and other protocols are often not observed,” said Ntombela.
“We have also roped in the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority to collaborate with law-enforcement during the operations of the police in monitoring places of entertainment. We plead with our people not to attend funerals, and rather engage in other means to support mourners,” said the premier.
A host of awareness campaigns have been planned for municipalities across the province.