Prof Salim Abdool Karim, former chair of the ministerial advisory committee on Covid-19, has warned of an escalation in infections in KwaZulu-Natal thanks to rioting mobs who created superspreader events during their recent rampage.
“Case numbers will shortly increase even faster due to the superspreading events created by the mobs of looters who have ignored Covid-19 prevention measures,” he said.
The province, with Gauteng, has been hard hit by unrest, destruction of commercial properties and malls, and widespread looting.
“This is cause for grave concern as hospitals and healthcare professionals are working under trying conditions to do their best to save lives. The rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in KwaZulu-Natal is of grave concern as the province moves towards the peak of its third wave.
“Healthcare services are experiencing enormous challenges in dealing with the Delta variant-driven third wave. In KwaZulu-Natal they are under pressure from rising cases,” said Abdool Karim.
Case numbers will shortly increase even faster due to the superspreading events created by the mobs of looters who have ignored Covid-19 prevention measures.
— Prof Salim Abdool Karim
On Wednesday, KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Nomagugu Simelane said her department will be submitting a formal request to the provincial government for soldiers to guard hospitals and clinics, as well as to escort ambulances attending to medical emergencies.
She highlighted the harm ongoing violence has inflicted on health delivery in the province, saying it has been “particularly bad for us in the health sector”.
Abdool Karim lambasted the looting hordes.
“The same factors that drive people to disrespect themselves, the rules, their religion and steal, these are people who do not follow rules regarding protection very easily.
“Issues like mask-wearing and social distancing don’t feature; they don’t even enter the radar screen for people like them.”
Abdool Karim said the thousands of looters had created superspreader events by not masking up and social distancing.
“I am now getting concerned about the community groups who are themselves gathering to prevent looting. They themselves are, in many instances, forgetting basic things like social distancing. I think we are running the risk of these factors making the situation in KwaZulu-Natal much worse.
We are going to see an increase in cases anyway, but I am worried that these events, which will become evident in a week’s time, will see us have a little spike and will give the pandemic more impetus.”
Abdool Karim predicted that there will also be an increase in Covid-19 deaths “as medical staff who were assigned to treat Covid-19 have had to divert attention to treat patients with injuries sustained during the protests”.
“The dignity and safety of all South Africans to live in a free and democratic society is paramount.
“The authorities need to urgently stop the looting and create stability. We need to regain confidence that the chaos is being effectively dealt with.”
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