Govt fears level 3 will lead to 'massive spike in infections'
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says there are growing concerns of a massive spike in infections as the country prepares to migrate to level 3 of the national lockdown on June 1.
Various members briefed media on Thursday, detailing how the regulations on level 3 will be treated.
Government is under pressure to set out regulations to ensure increased economic activity in a way that will not cause an uncontrollable spike in Covid-19 infections.
Dlamini-Zuma says the risk cannot be completely avoided but government will work to keep the risk to a minimum.
“We have managed to flatten the curve but unfortunately our figures are still rising, and the peak is still in the horizon.
“As we migrate the country into alert level 3, as announced by the president, with some hotspots we must redouble our efforts so as to further contain and prevent deaths.”
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Winde was speaking during an online press briefing on Thursday. He said the province had to find a way to reserve tests in hospitals. "We have to reserve tests in our hospitals for our healthcare professionals but also to make decisions in hospitals on whether people should go to covid-19 wards or perhaps to just get treatment for the regular flu.
The whole country will move into level 3 on June 1 where more of the economy will be opened in a bid to recover some of the lost ground.
Religious gatherings are expected to resume on Monday, while alcohol will also be on sale.
“We must also remain cognizant of the ever-present danger of reversing the gains we have thus far recorded.
“In fact, the risk of a massive increase in the infections is now greater than it has been since the start of the outbreak in our country.”
Dlamini-Zuma detailed 7 metro problem areas including Johannesburg, Tshwane and Cape Town.
Other hotspots include the ILembe district in KwaZulu-Natal.
She adds government won’t hesitate to close off these regions from the rest of the country.