Covid numbers across board fall in BCM
BCM, flagged as a hotspot in the second wave, is seeing a steady decline in new Covid-19 cases and deaths.
Daily new infections rates are below 50 and there were no new reported deaths from February 9 to 14.
BCM spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said the drop in numbers was due to several factors, including the alcohol ban and the closure of public spaces.
“It reflects the entire government response and effort; that’s why there is a pattern throughout the country that is consistent with how the numbers reflect,” Ngwenya said.
“It’s been a roller-coaster ride that’s depicted by statistics where achievements are determined by a few external factors outside our control, which the public is a huge part of.
“Hotspot areas were identified and more efforts were put in those areas. The work of the frontline staff has also been commendable.”
The most affected age group in the metro’s latest figures is from 20 to 49. The recovery rate has risen slightly from 93.4% to 93.6%.
“But even though the numbers show that things are getting better, people need to keep up precautions,” Ngwenya warned.
There are still 159 active cases, while the cumulative recovery rate stands at 36,054. The cumulative death toll stands at 2,318.
“Confirmed cases must selfisolate or be isolated in Bhisho Hospital and Grey Hospital,” he said. “There’s a marked reduction in the number of cases that are admitted to hospital.”
BCM closed two businesses for non-compliance with coronavirus regulations.
The Dispatch reported recently that the manager of popular East London venue Buccaneers was arrested and fined R5,000 after a video showing its patrons flouting regulations went viral two weeks ago. Few patrons wore masks and there was little social distancing.
“We’re still going to accelerate these operations to ensure general ill-disciplined behaviour doesn’t hamper the current encouraging trends,” Ngwenya said. “We resolved to intensify operations within the metro after such incidents since the resumption of alcohol sales.
“We’re now visiting these establishments over weekends and we’ve since arrested two more owners.
“We’re also applying other measures like setting up roadblocks and intensifying patrols.
“We call for licence regulators to take tougher actions against all establishments that break the law as this is in breach of their operating conditions.”
Challenges the metro faces include increased public drinking, increased gathering at beaches, people not wearing masks in public and a lack of social distancing in public areas.
Places of concern in the metro include post offices, home affairs and Sassa grant outlets.
“We’re working with management [of the hotspot areas] on these to ensure that protocol measures are in place,” Ngwenya added.
“We’re pleased post offices have now introduced a system of ID last digit numbers for certain collection days, and the same applies with home affairs, which has streamlined its services to deal with urgent needs.”