INTERVENTIONS
DURBAN - KWAZULU-Natal is officially experiencing the fourth wave of Covid-19 infections, which is something of deep concern for Premier Sihle Zikalala.
“In the past three weeks, our province has observed a significant climb in the rate of infections on a daily basis. The number of daily cases that have been registered in the past seven days has been rising at an alarming rate,” said Zikalala, who was speaking at a briefing on recent developments in virus trends in the province.
The average number of infections a day had multiplied by up to five times from earlier levels in three weeks, which was indicative that the Omicron variant was behind the recent rise in infections.
“Clearly a new wave of infections is fast rising and the Omicron variant is the driver behind this new wave of infections. Three weeks ago, the province had a positivity rate of 0.7%; but as of today (Sunday), the positivity rate has jumped to 12.7%.
“The province started receiving more than 100 cases per day from November 26, 2021, while the average number of cases received daily rose from 47 to 362 cases per day.
“The incidence risk per 100 000 population has also increased from three to 18 cases per 100 000 population in the past seven days. The increase in numbers contributed to an increase in the seven-day moving average,” said Zikalala.
Trends showed eThekwini continued to contribute a high percentage of infections and deaths in the province.
“The districts showing high infection rates for the past seven days are eThekwini, Umgungundlovu and Amajuba. The province has had a total of 14 798 deaths (case fatality rate: 2.8%) since the beginning of the pandemic. Within the province, eThekwini Metro Municipality continues to contribute 36% of the reported deaths, a total number of 5 268 deaths,” said Zikalala.
He said the government had a plan to curb the spread of the virus during the festive season, which included vaccine education.
“The department has developed a festive plan that will address Covid-19-related issues. All planned events are required to have a Covid-19 plan, including sea cruises. The taxi industry and shopping malls are also targeted with interventions that will include health education, vaccination and compliance monitoring insofar as non-pharmaceutical interventions are concerned.
“While we are thankful to all those who have taken advantage of campaigns such as our very own Siyagoma Waya Waya and the Vooma Vaccination campaign, we would nevertheless like to register our unhappiness at the relatively low rate of vaccinations.
“With the advent of the highly infectious Omicron variant, we are pleading with citizens to get the jab, so that their bodies are able to fight the virus if it enters their body. We are going to fight misinformation and fake news through vaccine education with the help of councillors in the province,” said Zikalala.
In addition, the premier said the province would make provisions for bed space in the event that infections rose disproportionately in the coming weeks.
“The province has a total of 3 355 isolation beds dedicated for Covid-19; 1 533 beds reserved for persons under investigation; and 117 ICU beds in public hospitals. The department will repurpose more beds if the need arises,” said Zikalala.
Daily News