Nkomazi records highest number of Covid-19 infections

MBOMBELA- The province has now confirmed more than over 50 Covid-19 cases with Nkomazi as the leading local municipality with 19 cases.

The Provincial Department of Health said there were 53 cases and 22 recoveries in total. Last week the statistics revealed less than 40 cases, but on Monday they had increased by 19 positive cases.

The other leading local municipality includes Pixley Ka Isaka Seme with 14 cases followed by Mbombela with seven. The Bushbuckridge Local Municipality only recorded its first case after an official at Mapulaneng Hospital tested positive.

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Spokesperson for the Nkomazi Local Municipality, Cyril Repinga admitted that there is a lot of non-compliance in the municipality and said the high numbers are a worrying factor as it is business as usual, especially in shopping centers.

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“We are trying our level best to fight this virus, but unfortunately our people are not adhering to the lockdown rules and regulations. The streets and shopping centres are packed with people, of which some do not have a reason to loiter around. The numbers are high and that is not good.”

Repinga said the municipality continues to raise awareness in communities which does not stop people from moving around. Several meetings were held with law enforcement officers, as well as the South African National Defence Force.

“With regards to social distancing, Ehlanzeni District Municipality has also intervened by bringing volunteers in hotspots to ensure that it is practiced. However, it is up to an individual to protect themselves from being infected.”

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He pointed out that no mass funerals are expected to take place in Nkomazi, and to avoid that, people should stay home and educate themselves through various platforms.