Mkhize calls for change of behaviour

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has given his thoughts on the new lockdown regulations introduced on Sunday, saying that personal behavioural patterns need to change to “stem the tide of the pandemic”.

At a briefing on Monday as part of government’s social cluster, the minister added although the country had not reached ICU bed capacity, there is a blockage in triage centres.

“As health, we have come to give clarity on the president’s announcements last night. We monitor the movement of the infection every day, we hold special meetings and consult the different departments in between,” he said.

“There are 52 districts which can be regarded as hotspots. Covid-19 is spreading and we are losing our loved ones and our family and friends are being infected. It is important for everyone to change their behaviour and take responsibility, and stem the tide of the pandemic.”

Mkhize said his department had engaged with Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula regarding public movement. Although the initial lockdown had assisted in slowing down the spread, government was aware that there needed to be a balance and for people to learn to coexist with the virus.

“Taxis transport about 16 million people daily. We had to look at the best way of getting our people back to work. Studies in China show close proximity and air filters enhance the spread of the virus. What we also discovered is the importance of ventilation in confined spaces.

“Ideally, people should not be close to one another in a taxi. We saw the need for mitigating steps, hence for long distance, the 70% capacity. When it is 100% there are specific guidelines to follow,” he said.

“Drivers and conductors must conduct a daily symptom check before going into the taxi. Also, drivers must at all times wear masks and sanitise at all times.

“Once outside the taxi, drivers and conductors must practice social distancing. Windows should be opened and this must be sufficient to allow the movement of air so that any air droplets inside are able to move out of the car. The window does not have to be fully open.”

On the new alcohol ban, he said government was concerned “that the consumption of alcohol in the country is pretty high”.

He said a lot of people have welcomed and supported the alcohol ban.

“In Level 4, a study has revealed that there was a 60% increase in trauma admissions, which was attributed to the ban on the sale of alcohol.

Health workers have revealed pressures these cases have on the health system.