Covid-19: ‘Nobody can say for how long’ says Mkhize in response to possible extension of lockdown
“There are people sending out fake news, for example that this virus only affects rich people or white people, is not true.”
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize did not speculate about a possible extension of the lockdown period in response to a question about what will inform such an extension.
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Mkhize addressed the media from KwaZulu-Natal where he presented an update on Covid-19.
“I don’t think anyone can say for how long it will be.
“Right now we have three weeks to reduce the rate of the spread of the infection.
“Thereafter we will assess the situation day by day,” the Minister told the media.
“We will not know life as we know it now.
“There has to be a change in how we do things and an adjustment to how we behave.”
Watch out for fake news- 5G & coronavirus: 5G is a technology issue and Covid is a virus. You cannot link the virus to technology.
— Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) March 31, 2020
He referenced countries like China and South Korea when he expressed the belief that South Africa may find guidance from other countries in dealing with Covid-19.
“South Korea was number two for the number of cases and it has now dropped to 13.
“This means you can do something to have an impact,” he said.
The Minister again emphasised the need for social distancing, the use of masks and ensuring awareness of Covid-19 as means to control the spread.
“Whatever happens after 21 days, we must know that our behaviour will have to change completely,” he said.
We need to use FACTS to fight Coronavirus not FAKE NEWS
— Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) March 31, 2020
He also issued a warning to people spreading fake news.
“There are people sending out fake news, for example that this virus only affects rich people or white people, is not true.”
“Stop believing in fake news and things that will only make it more difficult for us to manage the virus,” said Mkhize.
He urged people who are advised to remain in quarantine to do so.
“We had to charge a number of people for not adhering to quarantine instructions.
“I had a discussion with the MEC and Premier (of KZN) who informed me that there were tourists who were in a hotel at the time we issued instructions to stay in quarantine if you are in a hotel.
“They listened and 12 of them tested positive.
“Because they followed instructions, they did not spread the virus,” he said.
He urged South Africans to adhere to the lockdown regulations.
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