Fears of second wave as infection numbers rise

Writer De Waal Steyn

Fears of a second wave of Covid-19 infections are mounting as infection rates across the country keep on climbing.

In the Western Cape, new infections during the first week of December increased from 9 683 to 15 423 – an increase of 59.2%. In the Overberg district the numbers increased from 244 to 428, representing an increase of 75.4%, while in the Overstrand infections rose from 60 to 98 (63.3%).

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said in a press release last week that the Overberg is seeing increases in all sub-districts. “Towns in the Overberg which are of concern are Swellendam, Cape Agulhas, Villiersdorp, Caledon, Bergsig and Grabouw. As we have seen during the first wave of infections, once community transmission is established within communities, the situation can quickly deteriorate if not brought under control soon,” he said.

Wilma Kamfer, Overberg District Director for the Department of Health, said we have seen a marked rise in active cases, and it is concerning. “Now is the time to assess our behaviour and our adherence to the lockdown rules. If we remain vigilant and follow the guidelines, we could still enjoy our festive season, but this onus is on each one of us,” she said.

“Reports from local surveillance teams indicate that attendance at a funeral, going to shopping centres and non-adherence to quarantine and isolation have led to quite a few people testing positive. We call on the citizens of each of these subdistricts and as a collective to do their part so we can bring the situation under control again. We all have a role to play through our own actions.

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