DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala says the province is now in the eye of the Covid-19 storm. A week ago, the province had 40 045 positive cases and as of yesterday it had 64 061 positive cases.
“The picture has dramatically changed. We have now arrived at a point where almost everyone knows somebody who has been infected with Covid-19. It is no longer a disease from the distance, it is here at home,”
“It is now our friends, colleagues, neighbours, brothers, mothers and sisters that we know that have confirmed to us that they have tested positive. The storm is here and can be seen through the unprecedented number of infections,” Zikalala told the media on Sunday.
Of the 3 552 new cases recorded on Sunday (26 July), eThekwini District has recorded 53% followed by Umgungundlovu (9%). Umgungundlovu District remains the second highest with Covid-19 cases provincially followed by King Cetshwayo and Amajuba.
Some of the hotspot areas in the eThekwini district include:Umlazi, KwaMashu, Phoenix, Chatsworth, Inanda, Newlands, Tongaat, Pinetown, Westville and Ntuzuma.
“Given the rate at which our infections are growing, we have to do everything possible to save lives. One of the things we want to emphasise is the importance for people to be quarantined or isolated at a Government facility,”
We are concerned by the late presentation of Covid-19 patients to our healthcare facilities. Some people seem to have this false belief that if you go to hospital you will die.That is not true. We are urging Covid-19 patients to come forward, we have enough capacity,” said Zikalala.
The Premier also appealed to traditional leaders, Councillors, ward committees, church leaders, iZinduna, to help them to implement tighter measures for funerals and ceremonies.
“We have observed with concern that many people have been flouting the funeral and gatherings protocols, which were put in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Burials have now become larger; so have ceremonies, which puts people at a high risk,” he said.
For LIVE updates on the Coronavirus pandemic, follow us on Twitter:
@sacoronamonitor