COVID-19: KZN premier concerned over spike in cases

Amid the second wave of COVID-19 infections in the country, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has reiterated his call to residents, urging them to abide by the current restrictions and apply the necessary health and safety protocols.

Briefing media on Sunday, 20 December 2020 on the province’s efforts to combat the spread of the virus, Zikalala said they were extremely worried about the rapid rise in infections.

“We find ourselves confronted by a resurgence of COVID – 19 in our country and province. Indeed, the second wave that we were warned about for the past few months, is here, and it is proving to be more deadly than we thought,” Zikalala said.

“In recent days we find ourselves increasingly in mourning. This is a stark reminder that COVID – 19 is not on holiday; it is in fact, back with a vengeance”

The premier added that at this stage of the pandemic, many people know of those who have tragically succumbed to the disease, which he said was of great concern and a bitter pill to swallow.

Zikalala has further called on South Africans to acknowledge the current situation as the ‘new normal’ whereby all our actions are duly informed by the need to protect ourselves from acquiring and spreading COVID – 19 to others.

“This therefore also means that it is not negotiable for us to adopt new ways of doing things in order to stay safe from the virus,” the premier said.

Zikalala: Festive season like no other due to COVID-19

Remarking on the Christmas holidays, the premier noted that this festive season was like no other in living memory and certainly one for the books.

“Traditionally, by now we would be in full celebratory mood, ready to bond with our families.  But this year’s festive season feels different to what we have previously been accustomed to,” Zikalala further said.

This is particularly a hard blow for the province as it usually draws thousands of holidaymakers during the festive season, for its beaches. However under the current restrictions, beaches can only be visited on certain days.

The premier said the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, adding that the important new habits they have formed must shape our behaviour over the festive season.

“Celebrating life and protecting the lives of those around us will be a major gift that we can give each other this festive season,” he said.