Mkhize pleads for weekend compliance to lockdown regulations, responsible drinking

The Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize has pleaded with South Africans to comply with lockdown level 2 regulations and to drink responsibly. 

In his latest update on the country's fight against the Coronavirus, he says he is encouraged to see some key indicators showing improvement in the state of the South African pandemic. 

"In the world ranking of the total number of cases per country, we have dropped from 5th position to 7th position," he says. 

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"We are also encouraged to see the number of active cases steadily declining from 90 103 on 20 August 2020 to 62 582 today- this translates to a 31% decrease in 2 weeks."

However, he notes: "Unnatural deaths have increased following the easing of alcohol restrictions- unnatural deaths now exceed the MRC predicted number."

"We have been very concerned to see videos on social media of people hosting large parties and going to shebeens, taverns, and bars beyond the curfew," says Mkhize. 

"We urge our people to continue observing health protocols such as social distancing, wearing of masks, sanitizing and washing of hands. We also caution against sharing of drinks, cigarettes, cigars, shisha pipes (“hubbly bubbly”) etc. Be aware that if you do this you have directly put yourself at risk. Whilst socializing and having fun, do not let your guard down and put your life and the lives of your loved ones at risk. The threat of a second wave remains very real. "

Mkhize concludes: "As we start the weekend, we wish to plead with South Africans to adhere to the curfew and not to drink excessively and irresponsibly.