SA is not yet experiencing a second Covid-19 wave, says Mkhize

CAPE TOWN - Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize says clusters of infections don't necessarily indicate another resurgence of the virus.

Mkhize who was speaking on the public health response to the pandemic on Sunday, said that the resurgence of Covid-19 will be dependent on how people handle themselves.

“A Covid-19 resurgence is defined as approximately 20 percent increase of the average incidence of Covid-19 cases using a 7-day moving average within a defined area. We can't say the second wave has arrived, we have just seen an increase in the cluster activities ... it can still be contained,” he said.

Mkhize also expressed concern at the rising infections in the Eastern Cape, blaming irresponsible social behaviour and parties in the province.

“We will be going to the Eastern Cape and we will announce our intervention when we get there. There is an indication of numbers increasing in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. These areas- we are now watching as indicating increased activities,” said the Minister.

SEE ALSO: EASTERN CAPE IDENTIFIED AS COVID-19 HOTSPOT

The department of health is expected to embark on a nationwide campaign to encourage South Africans to be cautious during the festive season as coronavirus cases continue to rise in the country.

“We need to send a very strong message of washing hands, sanitizing, social distance, and wearing masks. It is more important now than before. We need sustained behavioral change,”

“Of course, preventative care remains very important and therefore, we are working now on social behavioral campaigns to try and encourage people to focus on what will keep us safe during the festive season. Covid-19 is still very much with us. Avoid what we call super spread activities,” added Mkhize.

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