Health minister Dr Zeli Mkhize says that South Africa is experiencing exponential growth in daily Covid-19 cases, and that the government will look at further restrictions ‘as required’ to address this increase.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday (16 December), the country reported over 10,000 daily Covid-19 cases for the first time since August, and the peak of its first coronavirus wave. An additional 166 deaths were reported.<\/p>\n
Total coronavirus cases in the country now stand at 883,687, while the country has reported a total of 774,585 recoveries.<\/p>\n
“We continue to assess the entire country and where we identify risks, we will engage and make a determination if further containment measures or restrictions are required,” Mkhize said.<\/p>\n
“We wish to commend all South Africans who heeded government\u2019s call and complied with regulations by not going to the beaches.<\/span><\/p>\n “We know that although this has taken away time for enjoyment from our people, it will certainly contribute to curbing the spread of the virus.” <\/span><\/p>\n Mkhize said that the country’s beaches are known for overcrowding during this time of year and that and people tend to be ‘carefree’. <\/span><\/p>\n “We urge people who will be going to the beach tomorrow and on days permitted, to ensure that it does not become a day of regret where people<\/span>\u00a0get infected and lives are lost. <\/span><\/p>\n “We plead with you to be responsible and protect yourself. Keep a physical distance from others, wear your mask and wash or sanitise your hands.”<\/span><\/p>\n Western Cape leads the way<\/strong><\/p>\n Mkhize said that the Western Cape leads the way when it comes to new Covid-19 infections, with the province breaching the 3,000 mark in daily cases for the first time this week.<\/p>\n The health minister said that all other provinces have also reported an average daily increase in Covid-19 cases,\u00a0 except for the Eastern Cape which has seen daily decrease. However, the province is still reporting more than 1,500 new cases a day.<\/p>\n On Wednesday, the breakdown of new Covid-19 cases by\u00a0 province was as follows:<\/p>\n Legal challenges against lockdown rules<\/strong><\/p>\n Mkhize also noted various legal challenges that have been brought against the government regarding its latest set of lockdown regulations.<\/p>\n In an address on Monday evening, president Cyril Ramaphosa announced new national and district-based restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of a second coronavirus wave during the festive season.<\/p>\n The new measures include a stricter curfew and restrictions around the sale of alcohol, as well as area-specific restrictions around the use of beaches.<\/p>\n “As (the Department of) Health, we stand by the recommendations made to the National Coronavirus Command Council which are well substantiated by evidence,” said Mkhize.<\/p>\n “We have every intention to oppose these applications as the Department, and Government\u2019s mandate to protect the lives and health of our people remains paramount.<\/p>\n “We dare not neglect this responsibility by omitting to take the necessary actions to protect the health care system from being overwhelmed and collapsing, as we\u2019ve seen in other countries.”<\/p>\n\n
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