Covid-19: KZN Premier still concerned over high case numbers in eThekwini
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala expressed concern over the rise in cases in eThekwini saying, “Last Sunday, we had 383 cases for eThekwini, today we are at 579. Last Sunday, our deaths in eThekwini stood at 21. Today, we are at 25.”
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala expressed concern over the number of cases reported in eThekwini, which may result in the district remaining at a higher lockdown level.
Zikalala addressed the media on 26 April concerning the outcomes of the intensified lockdown. He said that 579 cases of Covid-19 have been reported in eThekwini to date, causing great concern.
Premier @sziks: Even during level 4 risk is still to high. As things stand, it looks like eThekwini will remain at a higher level of lockdown than other areas.
— GCIS_KwaZulu-Natal (@GCIS_KZN) April 26, 2020
“Last Sunday, we had 383 cases for eThekwini, today we are at 579. Last Sunday, our deaths in eThekwini stood at 21. Today, we are at 25.”
Premier @sziks: KZN has up to this point contributed 20% to the pandemic. We notice a trend whereby new cases are reported in eThekwini. No less than 10 cases per day
— GCIS_KwaZulu-Natal (@GCIS_KZN) April 26, 2020
He said that teams have been redeployed from areas with a low infection rate to areas such as eThekwini, which now has a ward-based schedule for screening and testing.
The premier reported that since the intensification of regulations in eThekwini, 1 082 people have been arrested.
“We commend the police for their sterling work. We send a strong message to criminal networks that the law will catch up with you,” said Zikalala.
Other areas within the province have reported fairly low numbers of infections with Ilembe now with the second-highest number of cases at 122 and uMgungundlovu at 49 cases.
Premier @sziks: In terms of where we stand with positive cases, the Province is looking as follows:
Amajuba 8
EThekwini now – 579
King Cetshwayo 12
Harry Gwala 1
Ilembe now – 122
Ugu 16
UMgungundlovu 49
UMkhanyakude 21
UMzinyathi 3
UThukela 23
Zululand 2— GCIS_KwaZulu-Natal (@GCIS_KZN) April 26, 2020
The Department of Health has brought mobile testing units to eThekwini to assist with fast-tracking the testing programme. Zikalala said that to date, over one million people have been screened and over 11 400 have been tested.
Zikalala called for KwaZulu-Natal residents to end discrimination based on the virus and desist from protesting because gathering in large groups is illegal.
Premier @sziksn: We have noted with concern protests by the people of Untunjambili at Ilembe District. These are people who were angry, because of the admission of 10 patients who are COVID – 19 positive at the hospital. pic.twitter.com/rSJ9QvTn5F
— GCIS_KwaZulu-Natal (@GCIS_KZN) April 26, 2020
He concluded that Freedom Day will be used to acknowledge the work of essential services across disciplines.
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