The municipality, serving the communities of Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, Soutpan, Dewetsdorp, Wepener and Van Stadensrus, says it has noted an increase in non-compliance with health and safety protocols in the city.

Spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, says with the country having moved to Level 1 of the Covid-19 lockdown, a lot of people are going about their daily lives without wearing masks, visiting crowded shopping centres, events, and social gatherings.

He says in most cases there is a lack of physical distancing with social gatherings and parties have increased over weekends.

Khedama's statement comes days after photos of crowds in Second Avenue in Bloemfontein made rounds on social media, with many users expressing shock at how Covid-19 regulations were transgressed.

"Scientists in the country have warned that the risk of a second wave still exists and is high, and this is evident in our city. On Saturday, 10 October 2020, the city registered 343 new cases of Covid-19 in comparison to the national rate of 1575 cases. This means that Mangaung accounted for 20% of the cases of the day. Over the past week (12-18 Oct 2020), 699 new cases were registered in our city," said Khedama.

According to the Health Department, the province currently has 53 898 confirmed cases, 1361 deaths, and 39 447 recoveries.

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