The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has called on government to enforce stricter lockdown measures – saying some members of the public are not adhering to Covid19 health protocols. South Africa is operating under lockdown level two – amid the third wave of the coronavirus in parts of the country.

The Health Department has recorded more than 5000 new daily cases for a forth consecutive day – taking the country’s tally to one 1 686 041 cases since the start of the pandemic. SAMA’s Chairperson is Dr Angelique Coetzee:

“We would urge – and I know I have been criticised for asking for stricter lockdowns or curfews over the weekend – but the truth of the matter is that people don’t listen anymore and we need to protect the average person out there who is doing things correctly. But unfortunately when they get into a place where other people are – in confined spaces like taxis or buses – all that work where someone doesn’t wear their mask, they can get the infection.”

At lest 5 415 new cases have been confirmed in the past 24-hours, bringing the total number of cases to 1 691 491.

There have been a further 97 COVID-19-related deaths in the country, bringing the national death toll to 56 929.

In a statement, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize says, “today, 97 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 0, Free State 21, Gauteng 41, Kwa-Zulu Natal 5, Limpopo 0, Mpumalanga 3, North West 0, Northern Cape 15 and Western Cape 12 which brings the total to 56 929 deaths.

Recoveries now stand at 1 574 223, representing a recovery rate of 93,2%.

The number of vaccines that have been administered to healthcare workers now stands at 1 336 547.

Source: SABC