SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19 IN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa has entered a second wave of the novel coronavirus. This was announced by the Minister of Health, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, at a press briefing yesterday, 09 December 2020.

“Four provinces are showing major increases in positive COVID-19 cases. The provinces are Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal and are the key drivers of the second wave.” announced Minister Mkhize.

“We look at the number of tests done, the positivity rate, the number of positive cases, the percentage positive, the numbers of people who are admitted, and the number of fatalities. All of these together must show an indication of an increase on a week-to-week period over a seven-day period. We then conclude that there is an increase,” he said.

The majority of the new cases are from Western Cape (30%) followed by Eastern Cape (24%), KZN (23%) and Gauteng (17%).

The Minister added that there’s a concern over matric year-end parties acting as COVID-19 super-spreader events. The age distribution has shown a different pattern form the norm. The peak age at this period is now 15 to 19 years of age.

Mkhize has cautioned South Africans to exercise restraint during the festive season.

“If our enjoyment is going to lead to more people getting sick, getting admitted and even some losing lives, it is not a responsible way of enjoying ourselves. We need to prepare for a festive season with a difference.” he concluded.

6 709 new positive COVID-19 cases were reported at the time of publishing. Total number of COVID-19 cases stands at 828 598 with 22 574 people having lost their lives.