Covid update: Spike in cases expected as holidaymakers return home

Monday, January 11, 2021 at 9:54 AM by Reeshni Chetty

Health experts have warned about another spike in Covid-19 cases and have suggested that Gauteng move to a Level 4 Lockdown for 21 days to curb the spread.

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Experts have warned about a possible spike in Covid-19 cases in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. These areas are expected to see an influx of citizens returning after the holiday season.

Coronavirus update: Experts weigh in on situation in Gauteng — Experts have warned about a spike in Covid-19 cases now that holidaymakers are on their way home. Image: Guillem Sartorio / Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images

Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the pandemic below:

1. Experts weigh in on spike of cases in Gauteng

TimesLive reported that Professor Mosa Moshabela of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) spoke about stopping new infections. Prof Moshabela stated that if Gauteng could move to Level 4 for 21 days, they should definitely do it.

Wits University vaccinology expert and SA Medical Research Council director Prof Shabir Madhi stated that the government's allowance of mass gatherings at Level 1 is the cause of the spike in Covid-19 infections.

2. Dr Zweli Mkhize on the latest statistics

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has once again updated South Africans on the latest Covid-19 statistics. In a statement released by the Department of Health on Sunday evening, Mkhize noted that:

"As of today, the cumulative total of Covid-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 231 597."

In addition to the latest infections, the minister also confirmed the recorded fatalities:

"Regrettably, we report a further 339 Covid-19 related deaths: Eastern Cape 77, Free State 19, Gauteng 28, KwaZulu-Natal 71, Limpopo 14, Mpumalanga 10, Northern Cape 7 and Western Cape 113."

3. Pastor and congregants arrested

A pastor and a number of congregants have been arrested for violating lockdown regulations in Sebokeng, southern Gauteng. Police shut the prayer service down, according to a report by eNCA.

Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported on South Africans sharing their thoughts as #AlcoholBan trends online. South Africa is divided over the ban and many have taken to Twitter to share their views and air their frustrations. Take a look at some of their tweets below: