Covid-19: ‘We are not out of the woods yet’ – Karim
The primary goal of the South African response to the Covid-19 pandemic was to flatten the curve.
Prof Salim Abdool Karim, chairperson of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Covid-19, gave a breakdown of the reasoning behind the flattening of the curve decision.
Karim said the curve has flattened in South Africa.
Also read: WATCH: Health experts on level 3 and what lies ahead
The primary goal of the South African response to the Covid-19 pandemic was to flatten the curve.
“The decision was taken to provide time for the healthcare sector to gear up for the pandemic,” Karim said.
What is flattening the curve?
Without natural immunity or a vaccine, almost everyone may be at risk of contracting the coronavirus infection, increasing the numbers who may need hospital care.
Karim said before the lockdown the cases doubled every two days, during the lockdown they only doubled every 15 days.
Also read: VIDEO: Lockdown level 3 and the movement of children
After the easing of lockdown began, doubling took place every 12 days.
He mentioned that the prevention toolbox used to curb the pandemic is very simple – social distancing, washing your hands regularly and wearing masks.
The Western Cape is still the hotspot.
Also read: ‘Hotspots will also move to level 3’, says health minister
Karim said that testing in the province is increasing and the case doubling time is every nine days, compared to the 24-day doubling time in Gauteng.
“In the latter part of the lockdown in the Western Cape outbreaks occurred in grocery stores and supermarkets,” Karim said.
“Staff were infected and so were clients, stores were contaminated and the problem spiralled out of control.
“Do not panic. Our curve has been flattened.
“However, if we do not use the prevention toolbox we could see the pandemic spread.”
Karim warned that many outbreaks can still be expected.
What is our #COVID-19 prevention toolbox? Here's what you need to know.#HealthMediaBriefing pic.twitter.com/BUCED19pYw
— Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) May 29, 2020
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