HEALTH Minister, Zweli Mkhize, visited Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp this week to determine whether stricter COVID-19 restrictions should be imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the Sarah Baartman District.
The district, which includes Kouga and Koukamma, is one of the areas that have been identified as potential national hotspots and could face harsher restrictions similar to those announced for Nelson Mandela Bay last week.
Mkhize’s visit on Wednesday this week included inspections at the Humansdorp hospital and a shopping complex in the town, as well as a meeting with stakeholders in Jeffreys Bay. The outcome of the visit was not yet known at the time of going to press.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Horatio Hendricks, welcomed the Minister’s visit.
“We are very concerned about the recent increase of infections in the Kouga region and the capacity of the local healthcare system to deal with the resurgence, especially given the influx of visitors expected over the festive season,” he said.
“Our local healthcare workers have been doing all they can to manage the pandemic but our hospitals and clinics need additional support to help save lives.”
Hendricks said Kouga’s 110 disaster management volunteers continued to support law enforcement efforts.
“We are looking at ways of increasing their number to help us monitor places where people tend to crowd together. They were very visible at funerals over the weekend and we would like to thank them for helping to keep our communities safe.”
JBay Rage cancelled
Meanwhile it was announced earlier this week that the popular JBay Rage has been cancelled for this year.
In a statement, the organisers said, “Due to the nature of the event, officials have advised that we cancel or postpone our festival.
“We’re aware of the reports of increased COVID-19 related cases from students who attended Ballito Rage events as well as numerous other non-Rage events. We are very concerned about the increase of COVID cases in the Kouga district. It is with a heavy heart that we announce that JBay Rage is cancelled.”
