SA must brace for ‘raging storm’, Mkhize warns
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has warned South Africans to prepare for a “raging storm” amid an expected sharp increase in Covid-19 numbers in the coming weeks.
Mkhize was speaking at the launch of a coronavirus field hospital in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.
“We need to brace up for the coming raging storm,” he warned.
“We have to face up to the fact that until we get past these months, especially winter time, we need to look after ourselves. We need to look after ourselves and our neighbours who have comorbidities.”
Mkhize’s stark warning comes hours after he announced that the country’s confirmed coronavirus cases have surpassed100 000, with close to 2000 deaths recorded since the beginning of the pandemic.
ALSO READ: SA’s first Covid-19 vaccine trial to start tomorrow
The number is expected to increase exponentially over the coming weeks.
The Eastern Cape, which has been struggling with cluster outbreaks, makes up 16.6% of the country’s Covid-19 numbers.
The first phase of the Mamisa Chabula-Nxiweni Field Hospital will provide an additional 3300 beds along with oxygen reticulation.
More than 3000 people across the country are in ICU as a result of Covid-19.