Well, perhaps the inevitable is the worst-case scenario, but despite the fact that the department has confused the public, clarity at the end of the day was rendered. In a statement: The Department wishes to clarify the confusion on the number of graves dug for COVID-19.
The province clarified that they DO NOT have over a million already open dug graves, the over a million graves refers to the collective capacity municipalities can take.
The rise of the number of COVID-19 cases in South Africa are on steroids, we’ve seen close to 9 000 new cases in the last report on Wednesday evening, with the death tolls rising to 3 602. The surge of the infections speaks the truth of the inevitable despite the clarification.
“MEC, Dr. Bandile Masuku visited one of the gravesides in Tshwane Yesterday”, said the province in a statement clarifying the confusion about the million graves.
“The graveside visited has a capacity of about 24 000.”
Six members of the Gauteng Health War Room test positive for COVID-19 including the Head of the Department, Prof Mkhululi Lukhele.
Clarity on Graves in Gauteng Municipalities. pic.twitter.com/Lk4tx1S4Tv
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) July 9, 2020
The province concluded in saying that they “understanding that the subject of death is an uncomfortable matter to engage in, however, ensuring that there is adequate burial space in the province, unfortunately, forms part of reality government must contend with, in the battle against COVID-19”
The GDoH (Gauteng Department of Health) also confirmed that six of its members have tested positive for COVID-19 including Head of the Department, Prof Mkhululi Lukhele, who are currently under self-isolation at the comfort of their own homes.
Government's response to COVID-19 is informed by the imperative to prevent infections and SAVE lives. We are NOT therefore expecting and preparing for 1 million COVID-19 related deaths in the country.#StaySafe
— Dr Dlamini Zuma (@DlaminiZuma) July 9, 2020
Dr. Dlamini Zuma also confirmed via twitter in saying the Government’s response to COVID-19 is informed by imperative to prevent infections of the virus and to save lives.
‘We are NOT, therefore, expecting and preparing for 1 million COVID-19 related deaths in the country.’ Dr. Zuma tweeted.
South African COVID-19 Information Portal
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