After 100 days in lockdown, people are still in denial – KZN Premier

AS the number of infections rises drastically in KZN, government is extremely concerned about the number of people who appear to be in denial regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a briefing today (Sunday) on the latest coronavirus statistics, KZN premier Sihle Zikalala urged people to change the way they behave.

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‘We have observed with extreme worry a number of instances in which people appear to be in denial about the very existence of Covid-19.

‘This is merely on the basis that they do not know anyone who has died because of this disease.

‘We want to strongly denounce this kind of thinking because it poses the risk of increasing the rate of transmissions due to reckless behaviour.

‘Covid-19 is here. It is deadly, and will cause unprecedented devastation if we do not change the way we behave.’

Biggest jump to date
Yesterday marked exactly 100 days since the implementation of the lockdown.

The country has conducted 1.7 million tests, with a total of 177 124 positive cases, 2952 deaths, and 86 298 recoveries recorded.

Whereas by last Sunday KZN had registered 7 786 confirmed cases, 112 deaths, and 3 417 recoveries, these figures have, over the past week alone, grown to 13 984 positive cases, 182 deaths, and 4 197 recoveries.

‘This represents the biggest jump to date, which once again bears testimony to the fact that we are well and truly on our way towards reaching our peak of Covid–19 in the province and indeed in the country,’ said Zikalala.

Covid- 19 cases per district:

Ethekwini: 7 666
Illembe: 1 054
UMgungundlovu: 1 833
UThukela: 631
King Cetshwayo: 625
Ugu: 525
Amajuba: 393
UMkhanyakude: 128
Harry Gwala: 288
Zululand: 252
UMzinyathi: 182
Unallocated: 407
Total: 13 984

Statistics show that women continue to dominate with more than half of the confirmed cases (56 per cent). Among the new cases received on 4 July 2020, female cases dominated (57 percent). Male cases peak between the ages 25-39 years; females from 25-49 years.

The province recorded four new Covid-19 related deaths on 4 July. A total of 182 deaths were reported in 10 of the 11 districts since the beginning of the pandemic.

eThekwini Metro Municipality contributes 70 per cent of the reported deaths. The median age for deaths is 62 years.

Male patients continue to dominate the fatalities. The proportion of deaths in female patients increases daily.

Deceased female patients dominate in those aged 81 years and above.

The most common recorded comorbidities amongst the deceased include hypertension, diabetes mellitus and HIV.

However, the number of deaths with no recorded comorbidities is also increasing.

School infections
Zikalala said the number of infections at schools is also on the rise.

‘This week the number of reported positive cases is at 429 which is an increase of 242 from 187 cases we reported last week.

‘The new figure includes 306 teachers, 81 learners and 42 other employees of the Department. UMgungundlovu

District remains the hardest hit district with 93 positive cases.’

‘We are saddened to announce that five employees from the Department of Education have succumbed to Covid-19.

They are two teachers from Zululand, one from Umzinyathi, one from Umlazi and a security guard from ILembe.

‘The total number of affected schools in KZN is currently 345; the good news is that 236 schools have returned to full operation after all due processes were followed.

‘Other 70 schools are ready to receive teachers and learners tomorrow. The 39 schools that reported positive cases on July 2 and 3 are expected to return to normal by not later than Wednesday.

‘It is expected that new cases will keep coming, forcing some of the schools to take a break while dealing with issues of screening, testing and decontamination,’ said Zikalala.

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