THERE is reason for concern as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality COVID-19 active cases have increased sharply.
NMBM Acting Executive Mayor Councillor Thsonono Buyeye said the recent figures were particularly concerning as they showed that residents were dropping the ball while the fight is far from over.
“We have no doubt that social gatherings have been the biggest contributor to this jump. We have seen it in the province and nationally, how parties have now become the main spread of COVID-19,” said NMBM Acting Executive Mayor Councillor Thsonono Buyeye.
“A few weeks ago our active cases ranged around 220 and to see this jump to 349 is concerning. We would like to remind our residents that COVID-19 is not over.
“Even our Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize and his wife tested positive and we wish them a speedy recovery. Let this be a reminder that COVID-19 does not discriminate against anyone and it is still a reality we are faced with.”
Uitenhage & KwaNobuhle remain hotspots
NMBM Disaster Management Head, Shane Brown said Motherwell remained the hotspot in the metropole, followed by Uitenhage, KwaNobuhle and KwaZakhele.
“People are very active out there now. These numbers have jumped because there is too much socialising and no social distancing. People assume their friends or family members don’t have the virus and become careless and this carelessness has seen a number of European countries enforcing lockdown again and we do not want a stricter lockdown here.
“We don’t need it. We can avoid it if we could all just practise what we have been taught in the last seven months.”
“We urge our residents to keep social distancing when around people, wear their masks always, wash hands regularly and avoid large crowds by all means.”
(Issued: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Communications Office)
