COVID-19 infections in Nelson Mandela Bay have surpassed the 1000 mark, resulting in alarming numbers of new
infections among children and an increase in hospitalisations and deaths.
The new statistics were discussed during the Joint Operations
Centre meeting yesterday after the Department of Health highlighted that as of
October 26, 2020, the metro had 1 185 active cases.
According to a statement released by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) although the
second wave was anticipated to hit the metro around December, the increasing
social gatherings have played a big role in spreading the virus with thousands
of residents not adhering to the COVID-19 regulations.
As of Monday, October 26, nine children between the ages of 0-4
years were confirmed to be COVID-19 positive, ten between the ages of 5-9
years, 32 between the ages of 10-14 years and 48 between the ages of 15-19
years.
NMBM acting mayor, Tshonono Buyeye, said that they are
extremely concerned about these numbers. “It clearly shows that something has
gone wrong. To have so many children infected is alarming. Our general deaths due
to COVID-19 are also increasing. On Friday we had about 700 active cases but on
Monday the numbers had jumped alarmingly.”
Buyeye added that Motherwell is still the metro’s hotspot,
followed by Uitenhage, KwaNobuhle and KwaZakhele. “We would really like to
appeal to our residents to take extra measures as current statistics show that
we have cases in all our wards now.”
The Metro Police, together with local police, will continue
to clamp down on social gatherings, nightclubs and other businesses that are
found to be in contravention of the lockdown rules.
NMBM Disaster Management Chairperson, Shane Brown, said that
they do not want the second wave to be more aggressive than the first. “We will
continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that these numbers go down
again. We encourage residents to report any illegal social gathering to the
10111 police line and by dialling 041 508 5501,” he said.
Statement issued by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
Communications Office.
