When will it end? Dlamini-Zuma extends the State of Disaster yet again…

We’re back at it, Mzansi. We’re now at Level 3 lockdown and the State of Disaster has been extended multiple times but it seems there is no end in sight. Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has now Gazetted the extension of the National State of Disaster on COVID-19 until 15 September 2021. 

The State of Disaster could be reviewed before 15 September and be done away with but it’s unlikely.  

STATE OF DISASTER EXTENDED AGAIN…HERE’S WHY 

Dlamini-Zuma, in a statement, said the extension of the National State of Disaster takes into account the need to continue augmenting the existing legislation and contingency arrangements undertaken by organs of state and all other role players to mitigate against the impact of the disaster on lives and livelihoods. 

“All people are urged to continue adherence to regulations under Alert Level 3 in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” she said. 

“Everyone has to wear a mask at all times, social distance, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and wash hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser,” she added.    

Thus far, 3 839 052 adults have been fully vaccinated from  9 002 052 doses that have been administered. All those who are eligible are urged to register and get vaccinated. 

LATEST COVID-19 STATS

So while the State of Disaster has been extended by Dlamini-Zuma, it’s probably a good idea to see where we are in terms of COVID-19 statistics. As of Wednesday 11 August, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in SA is 2 554 240 with 7 502 new cases reported. 

On Wednesday, a total of 573 deaths were reported bringing the total to 75 774 deaths. The cumulative number of recoveries now stands at 2 337 591, translating to a recovery rate of 91,5%. 

As of Wednesday, a total of 9 002 052 vaccines were administered, however, there were 140 875 active cases throughout the country.