Limpopo Covid-19: Polokwane and Thabazimbi have entered a ‘high alert stage’
Polokwane and Thabazimbi areas have officially entered a 'high alert stage' with an active case incidence risk of 16,1/100 000 persons. Musina and Lephalale are close behind.
LIMPOPO -“While our infection rate might appear to be low for now, we are concerned that after this weekend the rate of Covid-19 infections in the province may be on the rise.” These were the words of Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba after it was announced by the department that Polokwane and Thabazimbi have officially entered a ‘high alert stage’.
“You need to be at an active case incidence risk of 20/100 000 persons to be declared a surge. Polokwane and Thabazimbi are at 16,1 which have now officially entered a high alert stage. Other sub-districts which are of concern is Musina at 10.1, Lephalale 15,0. All other municipalities are still below 10 but we are worried that after this weekend our language might be different,” Ramathuba explained.
The province as a whole, has an active case incidence risk of 5,8/100 000 persons, however the MEC has noted with serious concern, the number of major social events organised across the province. These events are targeting teenagers and young people and Ramathuba has called on parents to discourage their children from attending such gatherings which have the possibility of becoming ‘super spreader’ events.
“We have seen what happened in other parts of the country where these events have become super spreaders. Parents must help us in order to protect themselves, because after being infected at such an event, your child is coming home to infect all family members, wherein some will not survive this virus” warned the MEC.
The MEC further cautioned the organisers of these events to ensure that all attendees comply with Covid-19 regulations. She added that the department will be working with South African Police Services to monitor compliance and those found not complying will be arrested.
“As a country we are officially in a second wave of Covid-19 infections and as the department we remind residents to not to get used to the virus, but remain vigilant and do their part in curbing its spread. Together we can win this battle and defeat the second wave,” Ramathuba concluded.
