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Health Minister Zweli Mkhize warns that stricter lockdown measures may be on the cards. South Africa moved to Alert Level 2 on August 18.

In a live interview with eNCA, Mkhize said that while COVID-19 cases are declining in some parts of the province, a resurgence is still possible. A second wave has been noted in some countries which has forced them to impose new restrictions.

While Mkhize hopes South Africa can escape this second wave, he warns that residents need to be proactive to avoid more severe restrictions.

“The real risk we are worried about is a resurgence in infections if people neglect the precautionary measures,” said Mkhize.

“Some countries have had to reimpose strict restrictions. We will have to do the same if people start behaving complacently. We hope we don’t have to go in that direction and it’s a decision that is not taken lightly. We do think it’s possible for people to exercise social behavioural changes,” he added. “The message we are sending is for everyone to take personal responsibility.”

However, Mkhize seems optimistic. “We can say we are over the surge. The plateau has started. Western cape it’s been over two months. KZN is also now decreasing. That’s indicative of a promising time,” he concluded.

According to the latest figures, the country has a cumulative total of 613 017 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 13 308. Our recoveries now stand at 520 381 which translates to a recovery rate of 84%.

Picture: Twitter / Zweli Mkhize

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