The coronavirus figures released earlier in the week by Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, indicated that 91 people succumbed to Covid-19 complications in a single day in the province, to the shock of residents. This in addition to the surge in infections which have overridden the province’s Central South African neighbour - North West. 

The Free State Health Department spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, says the reopening of schools and mines in the Fezile Dabi and Lejweleputswa districts have been the main contributors to the higher case number. He acknowledges that there is, however, a backlog of tests at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) as well.

While the situation in the provincial hotspots appears to be getting dire, Mvambi says the Xhariep District has stabilised following confirmed cases in Bethulie. Mvambi adds the Free State is centrally located and is surrounded not just by other provinces including, North West, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape but it happens to also be bordering the Kingdom of Lesotho as well. He says passersby “unknowingly carry the virus and pass it to locals through their interactions. 

"We have imported cases and exported cases of Covid-19”. Despite stating this, he says they discourage residents from casting blame on others for infections.

The department has raised further concerns regarding the relaxed attitudes by residents to the coronavirus regulations such as social distancing, the wearing of masks, and the regular washing and sanitising of hands.

“The province is busy making plans for bigger numbers by recruiting more appropriate personnel and preparing more bed space, isolation and quarantine facilities. We are always praying for the best whilst planning and implementing clinical and infrastructure upgrades in preparation for the worst,” concludes Mvambi.

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