KZN gearing up for Level 3 lockdown

MEASURES are being put into place to curb the spread of Covid-19 as KwaZuluNatal prepares to transition from Level 4 to Level 3 of the national lockdown.

On Sunday, KZN Premier, Sihle Zikalala, unpacked the latest statistics and pandemic trends.

According to the latest figures, the King Cetshwayo district has recorded no new cases since Zikalala’s previous address on 10 May.

Although there was a discrepancy in the number of local cases reported, the Department of Health told the ZO that the latest statistics, which record 21 cases in King Cetshwayo instead of the previously stated 24, is correct.

The premier said President Ramaphosa is currently involved in a consultation process regarding downgrading the lockdown to Level 3 by the end of this month.

‘There are strong indications that all our regions will move to Level 3. But there is a caveat. For that to happen, and to remain that way, everyone will have to continue complying with all regulations to prevent further infections,’ Zikalala said.

The downgrade will see more business sectors open and lessen the restrictions placed on public transport.

According to Zikalala, KZN saw a rise in the number of cases and deaths over the past few weeks, but the number of recoveries has been rising rapidly.

‘There was a period during which the province reported a death rate of two people a day, the most of all provinces.

‘We can now report that no deaths are recorded on some days, indicating some positive outcomes to our strategies.

He said by last week more than 2.4 million people had been screened in KZN for the virus, 59 000 were identified for full follow-up testing, 1 498 people were confirmed positive and 806 people have recovered.

‘We have managed to prepare more than 6 400 beds for isolation, quarantine, high care and ICU throughout the province, with each district well represented in this regard.’

Zikalala said all high-risk area facilities would be inspected by the end of the month.

‘Level 3 comes with a lot more movement, including inter-provincial travel. This means that our rural areas, where most of our elderly live, will be exposed to the virus to a greater degree.

‘As we prepare to ease the economy further, all businesses, government facilities and municipalities must have measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the people.’