By STAFF REPORTER
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc in South Africa. This comes after the Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize announced on Tuesday that South Africa now has 35,812 confirmed cases of coronavirus.
North West Department of Health says the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the province is 271. The province experienced an increase of 84 from previously reported cases. Also, a total of 74 cases which were previously allocated to Gauteng has been reallocated to the province.
Taung village recorded its first COVID-19 case on Sunday and that left many residents terrified. However, businessman and philanthropist, Tshidiso Moreane encourages people not to panic, but rather adhere to the national lockdown regulations.
“We urge every person to be confined to his or her place of residence, unless strictly for the purpose of performing an essential service, obtaining an essential good or service. Please, those who go out to collect a social grant, pension, or seeking emergency, life-saving, or chronic medical attention must adhere to the lockdown regulations.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is alive and knows no race, gender, colour nor boundaries. We know it is difficult, but remember that prevention is better than cure. We need to be safe at all times and also ensure that we maintain social distancing,” Moreane said.
The founder of Sphere Foundation and event organiser, Lebogang “Dj Sphere” Letebele shared the same sentiments. Letebele said: “Fellow South Africans, I would like to encourage all members of the society to cordially observe the rules and regulations of lockdown as we face this COVID-19 pandemic together as a country.
“Please, let us stay indoors and keep our social distance to minimize the spread of the virus. Let us all hold hands and fight this pandemic as we would know that united we stand, but divided we fall. Let’s keep our hands sanitized at all times too.”
Prominent entrepreneur, Lehlogonolo Motseeng who is the founder and owner of the popular food outlet, Moja Chicken said people should be responsible. Tloks Lepara as Motseeng is affectionately known in the showbiz said he was saddened to hear about the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Taung.
“Waking up with such bad news that there’s a case reported in my own hometown saddens me. I would like to plead to everyone back home to please adhere to the rules and regulations of the lockdown and comply.
“Our people should understand and accept that this is a new norm of living from now on going forward for a longer time. Please practice social distancing, wash your hands regularly, wear your mask when you leave the house, and doing that doesn’t only protect you but others. The kids are now going back to school and may we kindly protect them and keep on teaching them about this virus,” he said.
Meanwhile, the country was moved to the alert level 3 regulations of lockdown on Monday.
The Guardian 