Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has announced that government has not ruled out the possibility of declaring a State of Emergency in order to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Mkhize said there are steps that will be taken and, in military language, “the country needs to take a hard combat approach”.
He called on all South Africans to join government in the fight against the novel coronavirus
Mkhize said dealing with the spread of the coronavirus would not be an easy fight but it was possible to deal with it decisively.
“South Africans need to unite and work together with officials and that includes doctors and the department, we need to form a united force”, said Mkhize.
He said government is in talks with private hospitals to make space for people from public hospitals who have tested positive for covid-19.
“We are also asking hospitals to minimize the number of patient visitors and make sure that every visitor wears a mask”, said Mkhize.
