COVID-19: KZN deaths at ‘catastrophic level’, says premier

KwaZulu-Natal continues to experience deaths at a catastrophic level, as the province’s active COVID-19 cases remain the highest in South Africa.

As of Tuesday 19 January 2020 COVID-19 has killed 6 672 people and has infected over 287 042 in KwaZulu-Natal.

KZN RECORDS MORE CASES THAN THE FIRST WAVE

During his weekly briefing on the COVID-19 updates, KZN Premier, Sihle Zikalala said the province has recorded more cases during the second wave compared to the first wave.

“We are experiencing death at a catastrophic level that we have never seen before. If people test positive, they should try to reach healthcare facilities when (treatment) can still be done. I urge citizens to take action as soon as they notice symptoms.

“We are more worried about the fact that people delay seeking medical attention and come when it’s late to save their lives. It is much better to be at a healthcare facility because you can be given oxygen when you’re struggling to breathe and any other assistance you may need.”

READ: SA cases rise by 21 000, KZN faced with 80 000 active cases

In the last 7 days, over 29 000 new infections were recorded and infection rates continue to soar in the following districts; eThekwini, uMgungundlovu, uThukela, Amajuba, Zululand, uMkhanyakude and uMzinyathi have been identified as hotspots in KwaZulu-Natal.

KZN VACCINE ROLL OUT STRATEGY

In his weekly briefing, Zikalala mentioned that the provincial command council will present the full plan by the end of the week. As a province they’re already planning ahead based on the dates of the arrival of the vaccine as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

“We’re putting a plan in place that will ensure that we roll out the vaccine faster when it becomes available. The first step in the province’s strategy is education and awareness in order to debunk myths about the COVID-19 vaccine and 5G. We will also ensure that all the vaccination sites in all of the KwaZulu-Natal districts are in good state of readiness,” Zikalala said.