CAPE TOWN- The South African lockdown has caused the country’s epidemic curve to flatten but an exponential spread is unavoidable and will happen at some point.
This came from the comprehensive analysis presented by world-renowned epidemiologist and chair of South Africa’s Covid-19 Ministerial Advisory Committee Professor Salim Abdool Karim.
Health minister Zweli Mkhize was joined by a panel of experts during a live public engagement to deal with technical aspects relating to COVID-19 response.
“I have to tell you that as much as we have succeeded in stemming the flow of this virus in our communities, in keeping community transmissions at a reasonably low level, I have to tell you a difficult truth. The exponential spread is unavoidable, we cannot escape this epidemic,” said Abdool Karim.
While the lockdown has played a major role in flattening the curve, as soon as it comes to an end there will be a sharp increase in cases, he said.
For LIVE updates on the Coronavirus pandemic, follow us on Twitter : @sacoronamonitor
CORONAVIRUS MONITOR