DURBAN - AS HOLIDAYMAKERS, families and business people make their way to Durban for the long weekend, concerns of possible new Covid-19 infections have been raised considering the recent steady increase in KZN cases.
President Cyril Ramaphosa moved the country to adjusted level three of the coronavirus restrictions two weeks ago, allowing for inter-provincial travel including for leisure.
The KZN department of health confirmed the number of daily cases continued to increase in the province and that KZN ranked fourth-highest in fatalities, after the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and the Western Cape.
In terms of daily positive cases recorded, the province ranked third nationally contributing at least 16% on average to the number of confirmed cases. The average number of cases recorded in the last week was 1972 cases per day, an increase since late July, where cases were between 717-1972 daily.
Dr Sandile Tshabalala, head of the health department, said the province was prepared should more people require hospitalisation with more than 4900 beds available and an additional 834 beds in field hospitals.
Thania Dhoogra, an N3 Toll Concession operations manager, told the Sunday Tribune that traffic volumes had reached highs of nearly 1200 vehicles per hour in each direction on Friday as many road users began their travels ahead of tomorrow’s public holiday. She said traffic had continued steadily throughout Saturday and was slightly higher in the southbound direction, reaching at least 975 vehicles per hour.
“There have been no reports of incidents causing significant disruptions to traffic users on the road this weekend. Road users are reminded to share the road responsibly and to remain alert and vigilant at all times,” she said.
“Law enforcement remains highly visible on the routes and road users should obey all the rules of the road, and, in particular, pay attention to the Covid-19 protocols.
“Please report any emergencies to the 24/7 N3 helpline on 0800 63 4357 or follow N3 route on Twitter for verified route information.”
Zinhle Mngomezulu, a Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesperson, said there had only been one major incident on the N2 yesterday where an alcohol truck collided had with a passenger vehicle. Three people died in the accident, while four others sustained serious injuries.
“We are anticipating a high volume on Monday as visitors make their way back to their destinations,” she said.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE