Staff Reporter.
KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has raised concerns about the increase in Covid-19 infections in the province.
In a statement on Sunday, Simelane said 1 724 infections were reported in the province on 30 April.
Of the new confirmed infections, the eThekwini metro accounted for at least 80% of cases, followed by the Umgungundlovu District at 7% and Ilembe at 5%.
The KZN Department of Health said it was the first time in months the new infection threatened to reach the 2 000 mark and the latest figures pushed the seven-day average from 414 to 1 171.
Simelane added, in terms of our emergency early warning systems, a 10% increase in cases over a seven-day moving average will trigger an alert; while a 20% increase in cases over a seven-day moving average, which is what we’ve seen, may trigger resurgence.
“So indeed, these latest statistics are of huge concern to us. Clearly, something is happening. At this stage, we’re not sure whether this is the fifth wave or not, but these developments are cause for concern.
“That is why we are urging all the people of this province to stay alert, and to practice all the necessary precautions, such as wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing, and washing their hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitiser.”
The MEC also noted her concern around the rising number of patients hospitalised for Covid-19.
According to the department, 437 people were currently in public and private hospitals for Covid-19.