The recent spike of positive COVID-19 cases in Nelson Mandela Bay could be the beginning of a third wave.
These were the words of the metro’s disaster management chairperson, Shane Brown, following a recent Joint Operations Centre (JOC) meeting that was called after noticing that COVID numbers in the metro had exceeded the 100 mark over the past few weeks.
“We have noted a definite increase in other parts of the country, where nobody is saying straight out that we are going into a third wave, but it could be the beginning of a third wave, which everybody is expecting,” Brown explained.
“Over the last week we have seen – I won’t call it a dramatic increase – but an increase in COVID numbers, where just over [two] weeks ago, we were at fewer than 10 [cases] a day, now we’re at anything from 15 up to 30 a day, which is some cause for concern,” he added.
Brown added that they had been informed by Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, that at this time, the metro already needs to exercise whatever precautions they can implement as local government.
“One of the biggest things we can do is to once again remind everyone that there are certain basic principles we need to stick to: wearing a mask and sanitising on a daily basis.
“The other really important one is that we have to avoid large gatherings.
“There’s no doubt whatsoever that large gatherings are potential super-spreaders. We have seen it over and over again throughout COVID.”
He also mentioned that law enforcement officers had noticed residents walking around and gathered in groups without wearing their masks in public.
“We are really worried that people seem to have stopped wearing their masks. Our law enforcement agencies will intensify law enforcement in this area. We cannot afford to have a third wave and that is why we are urging residents to remember that COVID-19 is not over.”
Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Nqaba Bhanga, said that the increasing number of positive cases was a cause for concern.
Sitting at 296 active cases as at Sunday, May 23, Nelson Mandela Bay has been highlighted as the metro with the highest active cases in the Eastern Cape with Summerstrand, Gelvandale, Lorraine and Greenbushes identified as the areas of concern, for now.
“There is a threat of a possible third wave and we need residents to work with all of us to avert this from happening. The numbers are going in the wrong direction,” Bhanga said.
“The cases seem to fluctuate for now between eight and 30 cases daily, but the Department of Health tells us that there is an increase in cases daily. The private hospitals reported during the meeting that they had noted an increase in hospital admissions,” he added.
At the time of going to print, there were 25 patients admitted in private hospitals and three in public hospitals.
Brown said that to reduce the impact of the third wave, people need to get vaccinated.
“We are calling on all residents who are 60 years and above to register and vaccinate. The roll-out has started. I also [recently] took the vaccine and I am feeling well.
“Getting vaccinated is really the only way we can get some kind of normalcy back in our lives.
“The roll-out will take some time; it will not be an overnight process but we need to get as many people as possible vaccinated,” Brown said.
Citizens 60 years and older can register as follows:
- On the COVID WhatsApp number by sending “REGISTER” to 0600123456.
- You can also register via SMS by dialling *134*832*your ID number#.
- If you don’t have an ID number, just dial *134*832#.
The services are zero rated, which means that no data or airtime are required. You also do not need a smartphone to be able to register by SMS.
Those who encounter any issues whilst registering, can call the COVID-19 hotline on 0800 029 999. The vaccine will be administered free at the point of service.
Meanwhile, in a recent virtual meeting, the Council of Education Ministers decided to suspend all contact sport at schools with immediate effect.
According to a media statement issued by the Department of Basic Education, this follows the school sports activities related COVID-19 outbreaks in Gauteng and the general rise of cases in communities across the country.
“It is evident that despite following the protocols as guided by the directions on extramural activities and standard operating procedures on the prevention, containment and management of COVID-19 in schools, contact sports events still contribute to the spread of COVID-19,” the statement read.
