Mkhize ‘cautiously optimistic about decline in Covid-19 infections’

Mkhize gave an update on the new coronavirus variant on Monday evening.

He was joined by other clinicians, scientists, researchers and academics.

He told members of the media that he remains cautiously optimistic.

“It has been encouraging to know that, despite the mutations, we are still able to protect ourselves with the amour that we have established.  This week has seen some promising signs of decline in transmission- yesterday we noted a 23% decrease in new cases nationally compared to 7-days prior. This could be attributable to many factors, including enhanced physical distancing facilitated by lockdown regulations,” Mkhize said.  

Despite a drop in infections, Mkhize added that the health system remains constrained.

The latest data shows close to 20% more hospitalisations than the previous week.  

“As at 16 January, nearly 18 000 (17 878) patients were admitted, with 2472 in ICU, 1117 on ventilators and 5 850 requiring oxygen. This is a significant additional burden to the system,” Mkhize added.

He further assured frontline workers that government wouldn’t go back on its word to deliver on a vaccine.

This comes amid criticism of government’s slow pace to acquire doses for citizens.

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“I want to assure you all, no matter what debates and speculation there may be out there in the environment, that this government will provide you with vaccines.

“The programme will prioritise you, as our frontline workers, from this first quarter of the year. We will then continue to roll out inoculation to all parts of our country during the second quarter onwards. Today, I give you this undertaking- we will not renege on this commitment,” Mkhize said.