DURBAN – The South African Medical Association (Sama) wants the government to impose stricter lockdown measures, especially over the weekends saying the majority of the public are not adhering to Covid-19 protocols.
The organisation said it was concerned as the number of cases recorded daily were increasing drastically.
Chairperson Dr Angelique Coetzee said even though the country has moved to level 2 of the lockdown amid the third wave, the public has taken no notice of the increased alert level.
The national Health Department said the country recorded 5 450 new coronavirus cases and 97 Covid-19 related deaths on Saturday.
Coetzee told The Mercury that the increasing cases are a serious concern and would put more pressure on front line workers.
“The increase of cases is a clear indication that many people no longer adhere to the regulations. We are experiencing extremely cold weather, which is concerning because the cold and flu is very similar to mild Covid-19 symptoms.
“It’s hard to distinguish between the two, even for doctors. More and more people have neglected the regulations. We see that mostly in public transport and also in around communities, especially in townships,” said Coetzee.
She said that at least, the government should impose more restrictions on the weekend, as that was where parties and large gatherings happen.
Coetzee said what concerning the most was that people were no longer taking lockdown seriously.
“It’s sad because once they test positive, we as doctors all of the sudden have to attend to them and we are expected to do magic. Whereas when the call was made to respect the regulations, they didn’t listen.”
She said companies must also start allowing more staff to work remotely or at least prepare for such.
THE MERCURY