A combination of relaxed regulations around gatherings and the Easter holiday period could push South Africa’s third Covid-19 wave up on the calendar.
Gugulethu Mfuphi spoke to Professor Alex van den Heever, chair of social security systems administration and management studies at Wits University, to unapck what this might do to the economy.
Listen to the full conversation here:
Letting our guard down
Professor Alex van den Heever spoke about how the relaxing of restriction could be a potential risk for many South Africans as we move into the Easter holidays, saying we must pay close attention to the dispersion factors that could have a negative impact on the economy.
“We’ve kind of seen what will happen if we let our guard down, the November and December surge was kind of behaviour driven with super spreading events. Technically speaking they are factors you need to take into account, the dispersion factor and how this epidemic surges. It actually takes a small number of people, that’s about 10% of people who infect 80% of people.”
Events like the the Zion Christian Church’s annual gathering which is expected to continue, pose a particular risk despite Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize raising concerns about religious gatherings over the Easter holidays.
Van den Heever also added that it is also difficult to police people, particularly during hot weather season.
How do we prevent the 3rd wave?
The reality across the world is the ongoing trend of the 3rd wave that usually hits when the public begins ignoring preventative measures to limit the spread.Until the majority of people are vaccinated no one is completely safe from any resurgence.
South Africans are urged to wear masks, maintain social distance, wash their hands, sanitize, and avoid overcrowded areas if the country is to limit the resurgence of Covid-19 during Easter.
Also Read: Health officials concerned about COVID-19 third wave after Easter(Opens in a new browser tab)
