According to the provincial Health MEC, Montseng Tsiu, the province has reached a peak with frontline health workers worst affected. 

Briefing the media alongside Cooperative Governance MEC, Thembeni Nxangisa, and Premier Sisi Ntombela earlier on Wednesday, Tsiu said they are concerned at the increasing number of infections in the province, particularly in districts that border provinces such as the Eastern Cape. 

Tsiu confirmed there are approximately 22 000 healthcare workers in the public sector and the first batch of the Covid-19 vaccines will be distributed to them as per the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

According to the National Health Department’s daily reports, the number of cases in the province now stands at 71 237 with 2 493 deaths and 59 268 recoveries.

Tsiu has confirmed the Mangaung Metro Municipality remains an epicentre and expressed concern at the escalating number of cases in Fezile Dabi and Thabo Mofutsanyana, stating that the number of daily cases recorded in these districts is alarming.

“The most affected areas in Mangaung is Bloemfontein, followed by Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu.”

She confirmed the province's fatality rate is at 3.5 percent, with the Lejweleputswa Districts worst affected.

“The Thabo Mofutsanyana district has reached 12 694 cases, raising serious concern as communities there are mostly underprivileged. The social circumstances contribute towards the fight against the virus as daily commodities such as water supply is sometimes not consistent. Maluti-A-Phofung is highly populated and present challenges such as a lack of social distancing and self-isolation. The situation presents a challenge for the health system”.

Tsiu has further expressed concern at the increasing number of cases in the Xhariep district.

Ntombela has, on the other hand, highlighted that the second wave of infections is spreading at an alarming rate and appealed to members of the public to refrain from contravening Covid-19 regulations.

Ntombela has alluded that whilst they are concerned at the escalating number of cases, she is confident that the health system in the province is well-equipped to deal with the scourge and confirmed that the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) in the province is on par.

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