The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has seen a concerning growth in COVID-19 hotspots within the City.
This comes after more positive cases were confirmed in most parts of the City highlighting Zwide and New Brighton as the new worrying areas as they have passed the 500 mark.
As at 11 July 2020, Motherwell remained the leading area with COVID-19 cases as 1753 cases were confirmed in the area.
Uitenhage and KwaNobuhle followed closely at 957 and 955 respectively.
KwaZakhele had 906 cases while Zwide and New Brighton had 572 and 566 cases respectively.
NMBM Acting Mayor Councillor Thsonono Buyeye said the local COVID-19 council hoped that the strict measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday would make a difference in fighting against the alarming infections.
Mayor Buyeye said: “We are deeply concerned. We do not want a case of having hotspots everywhere in the City. But we are hopeful that the ban of alcohol, family visits and strict mask regulations will turn things around in the City. We are glad that National Government heard our calls for stricter measures. We urge our residents to work with Government and adhere to the regulations. We have all seen the impact of alcohol, people hosted parties and other hosted social gatherings putting the lives of others at risk. We believe the curfew will also reduce these illegal gatherings.”
NMBM COVID-19 Disaster Management Forum chairperson Shane Brown said: “The hotspots are growing and they will continue to grow until residents change their behaviour. All of a sudden we have areas that were quiet recently but they have worrying numbers now. Just a few weeks back there were only 3 confirmed cases at the St Albans Prison but now there are 150 cases and that should be a concern. The virus is spreading at an alarming rate.”
Brown said the President’s message was welcomed “especially the emphasis on facial masks”.
“The mask regulations can not be stressed enough. It’s effective and we once again appeal to residents to also take it serious as the Presidents urged. We believe the alcohol ban will really free up much needed beds in hospitals as there won’t be accidents. Hospitals are struggling with COVID-19 patients as it is, the last thing they need are alcohol linked injuries to treat.”
NMB Communications
Latest posts by NMB Communications (see all)
- Join The Celebration - 26 February 2025
- 6 Municipal Employees Supended - 15 January 2025
- Fishwater Flats Wastewater Treatment Plant Work Progressing Well - 10 January 2025
- Kliprand Protest Brings Action - 7 January 2025
- Mayor Tells Us Why We Had a Successful Festive Season in Nelson Mandela Bay - 6 January 2025
