This is according to a statement issued by the Free State Premier, Sisi Ntombela, after she hosted the Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, on Friday for the Covid-19 vaccination drive.

Ntombela said that the high infection rate among young people, particularly those aged between 10 and 19 years old, is concerning. She said that even though the province is amongst the highest with its rising infection rate, she is encouraged by the recovery rate of people who were infected by the virus.

“Our primary responsibility is to ensure the wellbeing and safety of our people, therefore deaths have struck a massive blow to us all. The Free State province has had a constant increase in infection numbers and that is obviously a concern for us. That also serves a reminder that our work is far from over and requires every man and woman to put on their armour, go to the battlefield, and fight this enemy,” said Ntombela.

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Despite all challenges of Covid-19 infections, Ntombela said the province has made remarkable strides, as it currently has 316 vaccinators and still recruiting more.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi