Mkhize declares Covid-19 second wave in SA
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has declared that South Africa has now entered into a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mkhize made the announcement on Wednesday evening.
He says there has been an alarming rise in Covid-19 infections.
“A criteria was formulated by our scientists and modelling teams. As it stands now as a country we now meet as those criteria.”
He added that four provinces are the biggest contributors to the surge.
“Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng province are the key drivers of this new wave.”
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South Africans must prepare for 'different' festive season, warns Mkhize
Mkhize visited Sarah Baartman District in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday, amid concerns over the surge in Covid-19 infections in the area. "Where there are initiations that are taking place, yes they could take place but under very strict protocols. At the same time, it is the customary rituals that happen afterwards which are very important.
In the past 24-hour cycle South Africa recorded 6709 new cases, bringing the cumulative total to 828 598.
The death toll has also rise to 22 574 after 135 new fatalities were recorded.
Recoveries still stand firm at approximately 91%.
Mkhize further warned of complacency during the festive season.
“There has to be some way of encouraging more responsible behaviour, there must be a way of how we protect South Africans from a kind of conduct that is showing a lot of complacency.”
Mkhize added that he cannot predict if South Africans will spend Christmas under a stricter lockdown.
“Once all of these issues have been tabled together, we can then give you a more definitive answer in terms of what do we see on the way forward but that will be after the Cabinet has deliberated and of course the President having given the address then we’ll be able to get a more clear direction.”
All provinces have been briefed to prepare for the new wave.
