Experts are calling for stricter lockdown restrictions in Mzansi to avoid a vicious impact of the third wave especially since there have been reports of new variants found in the country.

Convenor of the Progressive Health Forum, Dr Asmal Dasoo, and Alex van den Heever, chair of Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies at Wits, both agreed that the rules around large gatherings should be changed.

Dr Zweli Mkhize announced that there were 90 Covid-19 related deaths on Monday as experts called for stricter lockdown rules. Image: @departmentofhealth_za Source: Instagram Both of them shared that current limits, which can stretch to 500 people outdoors, must be cut down to just 10 to avoid a devastating impact of the third wave.

The South African reports that social gatherings alongside restrictions on travel, land borders, and curfew hours will be the first to change this winter.

The publication reports that Professor Adrian Puren of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), believes the country should go back to Level 3 of lockdown before new infections skyrocket again.

He speculated that the stricter version of lockdown could be implemented on a local or district-based scale. News24 reports that the Free State Health Department revealed recently that the province is already in a third wave.

The Gauteng provincial government said the third wave was likely to hit the province in the next few weeks. Dr Zweli Mkhize announced on Monday, 10 May that 90 Covid-19 related deaths were reported on the day.

He said the total number of Covid-19 deaths now stands at 54 825. Mkhize said 395 230 health care workers have been vaccinated so far. Tweeps have shared mixed reactions to Mkhize’s update. Check out some of their comments below: @grahamvivian said: “Please advise what the plan is for next week and the main rollout of the vaccines.

Where will the vaccination sites be? When will the remaining healthcare workers and over 60s start to receive dates for their vaccines. What is happening with J&J vaccines?” @DeonNel14 commented: “My question is: when is the government going to take the responsibility? As usual, they will blame gatherings and booze. We were doing well until they allowed flights from high risk countries.

We have not reached even a million vaccinations yet?” @HJnel3 said: “Looking at the number of vaccinations, it’s obvious that the government is forcing South Africa into a 3rd wave to ensure they can control the state of emergency funds and power.” @braTforReal added: “Only 395k people vaccinated so far?

We are led by incompetent people here.” In other News reported that 14 crew members of a cargo ship docked in Durban have tested positive for Covid-19.

The bulk carrier sailed to Durban from India, where a severe strain of the virus is causing havoc. The Filipino crewed vessel sailed for 17 days directly from India to the coastal city in KZN. The chief engineer of the ship reportedly died on board from a heart attack, according to a media statement by the Transnet National Ports Authority.

The ship is currently under lockdown and a team has been assigned by port health officials to go onboard the vessel to check on the crew.