By NONDUDUZO KUNENE | 2020-08-21

THE ministry of health has projected that a total of 12 470 people in the country will have contracted COVID-19 in 10 days’ time.

These shocking figures were revealed by the ministry of health epidemiologist Dr. Vusi Lokotfwako. 

Worth noting is that the cumulative projected case figure is four times higher than July’s  cumulative cases.

Dr. Lokotfwako said if people continue ignoring the guidelines set by the ministry of health, the situation of the virus will be worse.

He said the guidelines still includewashing of hands with soap and water, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, wearing of face masks and keeping social distancing, as well as avoiding unnecessary travelling. He added that if people will follow the guidelines for at least 70 per cent, the total number of people who would be infected by the virus might be much lower than the faster infectionrate of the virus. He said at least 8 311 people might be infected.

movement

He further mentioned that if people change their behaviours and stick to the guidelines by the end of the month, the cases might be 5 627. Current total of cases stand at 4 110.

Dr. Lokotfwako explained that the spread of the virus varies a lot with the movement of people. He mentioned that during the lockdown, the cumulative curve of the country was very low, however as the economy was gradually eased, a lot people contracted the virus.

The doctor mentioned that evidence to that is the fact the people between the 30-39 age bracket are the most infected, as they are the active group or the working class.

The epidemiologist added that before the eased lockdown, the cumulative graph of the country was fluctuating at a lower rate.

However, since July the graph fluctuated at a higher rate. As a result, Dr. Lokotfwako said they have noticed that the country’s COVID-19 cases are doubling every week.

“Weekly COVID-19 cases increased by 31 per cent during Week 23 as compared to Week 22,” he said.

He stated that overalls the epidemic curve shows an upward trend.

He also mentioned that the more social events are being hosted, the more cases of COVID-19 will be recorded.

“Social events are unlikely to comply fully with the guidelines,” he said.

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