The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa is rising exponentially. In fact, President Cyril Ramaphosa says more than a half of all cases since the start of the outbreak, has been recorded in the last two weeks.
In his weekly letter to the public, the president paints a sombre picture of what we can expect this week.
“We can expect that the total number of cases will pass the 50,000 mark. Sadly, we are also likely to record the 1,000th death from this devastating disease,” Ramaphosa says in his letter.
On Sunday evening, June 7, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the Minister of Health, reported that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa has risen to 48 285. He also announced the death toll had risen to 998.
Like many other South Africans, President Ramaphosa says he has been worried as he watches the figures rise.
“While these numbers are broadly in line with what the various models had projected, there is a big difference between looking at a graph on a piece of paper and seeing real people becoming infected, some getting ill and some dying,” he said.
As the infection rate increases, Ramaphosa says South Africans can draw some comfort from the knowledge that the lockdown has helped delay the spread of the virus. The lockdown has also allowed to prepare health facilities and interventions for the expected spike in infections.
He says it is also pleasing to see that businesses, government departments, schools and other institutions have used this time to get themselves ready for a gradual return to more-or-less normal activity.
“They have been putting stringent health protocols in place, thoroughly cleaning and sanitising their premises and are ensuring that people are regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms. This is all necessary to ensure that we save lives and protect livelihoods.”
While complimenting people for taking the necessary steps to protect themselves from the virus, which includes wearing face masks and adopting good hygiene practices, President Ramaphosa says there is still a major challenge which South Africans face.
“I should however say that social distancing in public places is still a major challenge for us. We need to focus our attention on ensuring that we adhere to social distancing practices because it is through close contact between people that the virus will be spread.”
Despite the number of infections rising, President Ramaphosa emphasises that while we should be concerned, we should not be alarmed.
“That is because we have the ability, as individuals, communities and as a country, to limit the impact of the disease on our people.”
President Ramaphosa highlights that we as a country have shown we can slow the spread of the disease. He emphasises all South Africans must continue to take all measures possible to continue to flatten the infection curve.
“Most importantly, we must be prepared to reduce the number of deaths by implementing the necessary health measures.”
Furthermore, through working with its social partners, President Ramaphosa says the government is working hard to prepare for the increase of infections.
“We have been buying personal protection equipment from across the world and supporting local companies to produce them here. We have been improving the infrastructure in hospitals and setting up temporary hospitals and finding more beds for COVID-19 patients.”
Furthermore, President Ramaphosa says the government has also deployed tens of thousands of community health workers to detect cases in areas where people live. We are intensifying the programme of screening, testing, contact tracing and, where necessary, isolation.”
As the government looks at ways to addressing the pandemic, President Ramaphosa says South Africans need to contribute to the fight against COVID-19.
“Each household should look at how they can protect elderly people and those with underlying conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, TB or HIV. Plan for the possibility that someone in the family may become infected and whether you will be able to isolate them from family members until they are better. If not, find out where the closest government quarantine site is. You should also plan ahead for what to do if someone gets sick.”
As President Ramaphosa looks at the current state of the pandemic in South Africa, as well as the steps people can take to protect themselves, President Ramaphosa reminds us that not everything is doom and gloom.
“Over the coming weeks, as we watch the coronavirus infections continue to rise, we must remember that we are not helpless. And we should remember one simple, but fundamental, message: Don’t be alarmed. Be prepared,” he concludes.
