Mkhize: Provinces developing tailored response for second wave of Covid-19
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says the South African government is keeping a close eye on the response by countries hit by a second wave of Covid-19 infections.
Several European countries, including the UK, Germany and France, have announced new restrictions amid a surge in cases.
On Friday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) hosted health ministers from South Africa, Indonesia, and Thailand to share their countries’ experiences in conducting intra-action reviews of their Covid-19 preparedness and response.
Mkhize says government will use lessons from abroad as a template to prepare for a possible surge in cases.
“Learning from other countries that are experiencing resurgence, measures have been taken to prepare for, detect, promptly respond to the resurgence, there’s the national plan now for action to mitigate Covid-19 resurgence which has been developed,” said Mkhize.
“Provinces are currently developing their resurgence mitigation plans that incorporate early warning systems, broken down right to the district level and all the provinces now are remaining on high alert.”
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"What is key for the public to realise is that malaria symptoms may very well mimic Covid-19 symptoms. It is therefore imperative that when one experiences flu-like symptoms that one seeks medical attention as soon as possible," he said. Mkhize addressed a webinar on SADC Malaria Day on Friday morning.
He added that provinces are developing their tailored responses.
“Every day as we watch we look at where the clusters are breaking up. We’ve seen in the western part of the country, eastern part of the country. All of these are indicating our state of alertness.”
The country has 732 414 cumulative cases but only 41 158 active Covid-19 cases, bringing the recovery rate up to 91%.
But Mkhize warned not to be complacent, adding cases would be looked at under the microscope.
“Everyone has to look out for anything that’s less than 10% increase is under control, between 10% and 20% puts us on alert, now we’re looking out for more than 20% increase – that’s indicating resurgence.
“These are some of the key lessons that we have got from our intra-action review and the plans that we have drawn up together with the WHO as our partners.”
Listen to Mkhize below:
