Over 100 people were arrested for failing to wear a mask over the past week by members of the Chatsworth SAPS with other related charges including failing to confine oneself to their residence, drinking in public and illegal dealing in liquor.
Station commander of Chatsworth SAPS, Brigadier Kevin James, has issued a warning to the public to comply with regulations stipulated in Lockdown Level 3 of the Disaster Management Act. “Police will continue to intensify operations in the precinct to contain the spread of Covid-19. The responsibility rests upon every citizen to contain the spread of the virus,” added Brigadier James. James said this after KwaZulu-Natal premier, Sihle Zikalala, confirmed that Covid-19 infection rates are still fluctuating and do not show signs that the province has peaked. Zikalala said that over the past two weeks KZN has been recording more than 500 new cases daily, with only a few exceptions, where the number would be around 400, and is below the threshold since 16 June. With eThekwini leading with new infections.
“There are many signs that Covid-19 is still around, and deadly as ever. KwaZulu-Natal has been extremely fortunate that our numbers are still where they are. The fact that our numbers are relatively low should, under no circumstances, mean that we must be complacent,” said Zikalala. He said that the number of hospital isolations continues to fluctuate, with a slight increase in daily admissions, including ICU and patients requiring ventilation. “We welcome all the visitors who will be enjoying themselves at our beaches and other areas. We urge everyone to understand that we should not compromise on compliance with Covid-19 protocols. Everyone should actually become much more vigilant than before in curbing the spread of the virus.”
Zikalala warned that no events should violate the level 3 lockdown regulations as defaulters will face the full might of the law. Zikalala explained that the province is prepared for any resurgence of cases in terms of bed availability and oxygen capacity. He urged citizens to go to the nearest health facility if they have been in contact with a confirmed case, if they have flu-like symptoms or if they generally feel unwell. Of the 589 new cases recorded on 19 June, eThekwini District recorded 37% followed by uThukela (14%), uMgungundlovu (12%) and Amajuba (6%). Zikalala explained that the vaccination of senior citizens aged 60 and above, as well as healthcare workers is proceeding ahead. As of 18 June, 362 226 senior citizens were vaccinated; as well as 127 501 health workers. The number of vaccination sites prepared for the Pfizer vaccine is 359; whereas for educators, who will be receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine from 23 June to 08 July – 91 vaccination sites have been prepared. The province is now vaccinating an average of 13 000 people per day.
A resident, Kashry Perumal said that there is a concern that the upcoming winter holidays will raise the Covid-19 infection rates, like it happened in the second wave. “Being on holiday does not mean that we should let down our guard because the virus is not on a holiday. I urge locals and holiday makers to please be extra vigilant and remember to follow Covid-19 protocols especially during this time. This is to protect themselves and others,” she said.
