The Nelson Mandela Bay
Business Chamber is deeply concerned about the steady rise in new COVID-19
cases in the Metro.
In a media statement released this morning, Sunday,
May 30, the NMBBC made an appeal to residents and visitors in the metro,
including businesses, to exercise extra caution as the increase in new
infections are expected to intensify with the imminent onset of the third wave.
“With the new variant reportedly easily transmitted,
it has the potential to infect a large number of people, place a greater strain
on the city’s already overburdened public health system and lead to a greater
loss of innocent lives,” acting CEO of the Chamber, Prince Matonsi, said.
“Currently, Nelson Mandela
Bay has recorded 70 new cases and has 399 active cases. A total of 2963 has
been recorded for deaths, while recoveries stand at 53 282. We must remain
vigilant and not let our guard down.
“Our local economy is
still reeling from the last lockdown, which has
impacted the sustainability of businesses, particularly in the tourism and
hospitality sectors. Also, very
concerning is the impact this has had in terms of business closures and
unemployment rates,” Matonsi added.
“We also appeal to
businesses to ensure that they continue to enforce the required measures to
protect the health and safety of their employees and customers. We cannot afford to allow COVID fatigue to
set in and must all play our part in preventing the spread of the virus.”
