Picture: North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said he is concern about the increase of COVID-19 infections in the province. North West has been experiencing the spike in COVID-19 cases in the past seven days with an average of 300 cases reported daily.
Sambatha said the province has recorded a total number of 426 new positive cases and this gives the province 78836 active cases. He said since the beginning of June, the province has been recording over 400 cases daily and Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts have been hard-hit by the recent resurgence of positive cases.
“These recent developments do not augur well for the provincial health system. The Klerksdorp/Tshepong hospital sounded an alarm yesterday with an increasing number of hospitalisation for coronavirus cases in the district.
“This raises grave concern for the provincial health system as it points out to a potential crisis if our communities do not take preventative measures to curb the spread of infections. We, therefore, urge our communities to assist us to protect our fragile system by adhering to preventative measures,” he said.
Samabatha further said the members of the public are also warned of the third wave which accounts for the rise in new daily cases. He added that it seems people have let their guts down.
“People are beginning to live as if we are back to normality. We see this in how shopping complexes, taxi ranks, and domestic activities like funerals get overcrowded. This is likely to add to more increase in the number of new cases. Over and above, please avoid congregate settings.
“We urge the public to avoid unnecessary travel, to always wear masks when in public and ensure that they practice social distancing. They must also wash their hands regularly or sanitise,” said Sambatha.
He said the province has so far recorded 78836 positive cases and 70077 have since recovered. Sambatha said this translates to 88.9% of the recovery rate.
“Unfortunately the province has recorded 1949 COVID-19 related deaths to date. The province is making significant strides in the fight against the Coronavirus with 70209 vaccines administered to date,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Klerksdorp/ Tshepong and West Vaal Hospital complexes have prohibited visitors. The management of these hospitals said visitors are no longer allowed in the hospital premises with immediate effect until further notice.
According to information, the hospitals are experiencing a surge in admissions due to the third wave of COVID-19 infections. This decision was taken to avoid the increase of the risk of cross-infection to vulnerable patients in the hospital complexes.
The hospitals appeal to the public to cooperate with them and further request them to call directly via patient cellphones or use (018) 406-3111 or (018) 406-4600 and alternative number for Westvaal Hospital is (018) 473-0496 /018 4730256 or Cell: 073 769 7295 where they will be directed to the respective ward.
The Guardian 