Rapid rise in Covid-19 infections in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has expressed concern over the rapid rise of Covid-19 infections in the province.
The health department reported 11 859 new cases last night and 402 Covid-19 related deaths.
Eighty-five of those fatalities were from KZN. There are 63 690 active cases in the province.
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Zikalala provided an update on the situation in KZN on Sunday.
"We have started the New Year on a bad note, having breached the 5000 mark for daily COVID – 19 infections. Three days ago, when we were reporting the stats for 30 December 2020, our province had recorded 5 846 new infections and 116 deaths.
"It was the first time that we had gone beyond the 5000 mark – let alone approaching 6000."
Zikalala says for the first time ever, the hospital trauma units were partially empty on New Years Eve and New Year's day.
"Their emergency and trauma units were virtually empty, thanks to the early curfew and the ban on alcohol sales. This includes hospitals such as Prince Mshiyeni Memorial, King Edward VIII, Addington, Edendale, Madadeni, Ngwelezane, Port Shepstone and others."
He says hundreds have been arrested for flouting lockdown regulations in KZN.
"As of 29 December 2020 until 1 January 2021. 729 people have been arrested for non-compliance of Covid 19 regulations across KwaZulu-Natal."
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