Extra vigilance encouraged against COVID-19 spread

SEKHUKHUNE – Executive Mayor Stanley Ramaila, warned the residents of the district against non-compliance to lockdown alert level 3 regulations.

Executive Mayor Ramaila, Chairperson of the COVID-19 District Command Council, during its meeting held on Tuesday, 02 February 2021, reminded the residents that the country was still under the adjusted lockdown alert level 3.

“Even when some of the restrictions have been lifted, such as the sale of alcohol, we need to continue to take heed of the lockdown alert level 3 regulations together with the health protocols. Not wearing a face-mask in public spaces is still against the law. Churches are permitted but the number of congregants inside a building should be 50 and those who congregate in open spaces should not be more than 100. Funerals can only be attended by 50 mourners. Tournaments, especially in rural areas, are still not permitted. It is important that we practice social distancing at all times. The coronavirus is still with us and continues to kill our own,” said Ramaila.

Sekhukhune district has seen a reduction in the number of COVID-19 infections. The district recorded its first case on 17 May 2020. As per data of 31 January 2021, which is was over three days back from Tuesday, 02 February 2021, the district had a total of 6779 cases. It had 6281 recoveries, translating to 92 percent. The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 375 while 123 people were recorded to have lost their lives due to COVID-19 complications.

In terms of the breakdown regarding active cases, Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality was leading with 170 cases, followed by Makhuduthamaga with 101, Elias Motsoaledi with 78 and Ephraim Mogale with 26.

The executive mayor announced that from the numbers, Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality needed special attention.

“The good news is that we have been observing a decline in daily infection rates as of 11 January 2021. Our primary message to the people of Sekhukhune is that they must continue to observe all health protocols and adhere to non-pharmaceutical precautions such as social distancing and wearing of face-masks,” said Ramaila.

He said public schools would be reopening on February 15 and they understood that some private schools have already reopened.

“Importantly, we are calling all learners to observe all health protocols and we wish them and their teachers a good health as they resume with their academic calendar,: added Ramaila.