South Africa and our COVID-19 response team have been highly commended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the diligent way in which we have handled the global pandemic. During a conference last night [April 22], Dr Michael Ryan – Executive Director of WHO – complimented the country for its swift and comprehensive response against the virus. South Africans are now on day 28 of the nationwide lockdown, and while most of us are bored at home, we also understand that this is a necessary step in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus within the country.
“It is interesting to me the manner in which South Africa is bringing the disease under control,” Ryan said. “African countries are in many ways showing the way. The strategy in South Africa was based on preparation, primary prevention, lockdown and enhanced surveillance.”
“Sixty-seven mobile units around the country, 28 000 community health workers trained in case detection and over 120 000 tests completed with a 2.7% positivity rate – which is incredible.”
Dr Ryan congratulated the government on swift response and leading the way in Africa.
#AfricaResponds ✊?? pic.twitter.com/6msb7GnVqT
— Athi Geleba ?? #StayHome (@AthiGeleba) April 22, 2020
South Africa entered lockdown on March 27, with an initial end date of April 16. Since then, the lockdown has been extended by a further two weeks, meaning we will spend a total of five weeks in our homes with limited contact with the outside world. Since the lockdown was first instated, the number of cases have increased from 1 170 to 3 635.
Currently, the country’s death toll is at 65 fatalities. The number of people who have recovered, however, is 1 005 people across the country.
The WHO has informed all nations that the coronavirus will not end soon; the global death toll has now surpassed 180 000.