It’s up to all of us to beat deadly Covid-19 disease

THE downgrading to lockdown level 3 was not an easy decision for the government. It was a tough balancing act for the president. The economy needed to be urgently resuscitated, while protecting citizens’ lives.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize and a team of scientists have projected that Covid-19 would continue to wreak havoc. In the worst-case scenario, the death toll could hit 40 000 by November. The pandemic would globally peak in the next few months to about 3 million infections. Some countries have been overwhelmed by the pandemic.

South Africa is not letting its guard down, but preparing for a major battle. The next few months would be tough and more resources would have to be put into the fight against the virus.

Lockdown bought the government the time it needed to prepare for Covid-19, but we cannot continue to live under restrictions – which have aggravated inequality, poverty and unemployment – much longer.

Covid-19 has already left the economy in chaos. Many companies are buckling under the pressure. The president’s announcement on increasing health care and economic relief efforts in the identified hotspot metros in the country is indeed commendable.

It is paramount that every individual actively supports the government initiative to beat the disease.

Every South African has the responsibility to take extraordinary precautionary measures to fight against the spread of Covid-19. Nobody should think of level 3 as a return to normal life, but rather ramp up precautionary measures and stay safe.

With the easing of some regulations, including the sale of alcohol, some believe this will fuel the spike in drunk driving cases, weekend binge-drinking and domestic violence.

Medical experts have argued that heavy drinking weakens the immune system and may have a particular effect on respiratory conditions.

Currently, trauma units in hospitals have seen fewer admissions. This meant more manpower and resources diverted to fighting Covid-19 cases.

But with the sale of alcohol, will it have a toll on our health-care system? Some argue that this will make managing hospitals futile.

Every South African should be equipped with the information and tools on how to stay safe as pupils gradually return to school. Things are going to get worse before they get better. “It is now in your hands.”