eThekwini declared COVID-19 epicentre in KZN, SA death toll rises
Premier Sihle Zikalala has declared the eThekwini District as the epicentre of COVID-19 in KwaZulu-Natal, while the national death toll in South Africa increased.
"Each and every day, we record cases, and 77% of cases will be coming from eThekwini. eThekwini District has also registered the highest death rate since the start of the pandemic and the highest number of contact cases."
At a briefing on Sunday, Zikalala gave a case breakdown by district.
He says eThekwini is leading with 383 infections.
"Amajuba District eight cases, King Cetshwayo 11 cases, Harry Gwala one case, Ilembe 26 cases, Ugu 15 cases, Umgungundlovu 46 cases, uMkhanyakude 21 cases, Umzinyathi two cases, Uthukela 19 cases, Zululand two cases, and eThekwini 383 cases."
He says they are concerned that there are still too many people roaming the streets and a high volume of cars on the roads.
READ: COVID-19: Cases likely to rise post lockdown - Expert
Zikalala says this calls for drastic action.
He says from Monday the lockdown will be intensified for the eThekwini District.
"We have issued a directive to our law enforcement authorities to apply the law in its strictest form and to make sure that there are no compromises."
"We want them to make sure that the violation of the bread down by people who are supposed to be at home is met with punishment."
Three thousand one hundred and fifty-eight cases have been identified in the country.
In KZN, 617 people have the coronavirus. Fifty-four people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died.
