It’s time to get serious about coronavirus

AS EUROPE plans “air bridges” for the summer holiday season and our own tourism minister acknowledges our longing for a sho’t left, we need to be reminded that the coronavirus pandemic is about to peak in South Africa and now is not the time to be reckless.

In an address to the nation, during which he announced the easing of restrictions in the tourism sector, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that what was “once a distant disease is now coming much closer”.

Add to that the warning by Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize that we should brace ourselves for a “devastating storm”, and that of the World Health Organization that the global crisis is speeding up as lockdowns are eased, with the worst “yet to come”.

South Africa’s infection figures are increasing at a rapid rate and by yesterday, confirmed cases of Covid-19 had topped 144 000 with 2 500 deaths.

The Western Cape, where the outbreak is expected to peak first, accounts for around 40% of cases, with Gauteng moving up towards a quarter of the national total.

Mkhize attributed the spike in numbers in Gauteng to inward migration, especially in metros such as Joburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. The province is expected to overtake Western Cape as the epicentre of Covid-19 in due course.

South Africa faced the global pandemic head on with an aggressive early intervention that certainly saved lives, but the damage to the economy and personal lives meant that we have had to lift lockdown regulations without waiting for the peak to pass.

With the latest scientific research showing that infection is spread less by infected surfaces or quick encounters but rather by prolonged close-up person-to-person interaction, the Santaco decision to load taxis was particularly arrogant and stupid.

The next few weeks will be crucial. How we manage ourselves, individually and collectively, will play a key part in how the virus spreads and how many people succumb to it.

Everyone must continue to sanitise, wear a mask and stay home unless they have to go out. The fact that some public places, such as restaurants and tourist spots, are open is not an excuse to flout the rules and risk our own health or that of our families, colleagues and fellow South Africans.