The head of the Covid-19 Ministerial Advisory Committee Prof. Salim Abdool Karim says while there has been a steady decline in new cases and hospitalizations in many regions of the country, the possibility of a second Covid-19 surge is a concern.

Karim was a panelist in the University of the Free State’s Thought-Leader Webinar on health and modelling this week.

Prof Karim says while more of the economy needs to be re-opened, now is not the time for complacency. Karim says we need to plan for the long term, and get to a point where we can control the risks.

He says restrictions on mass gatherings should remain in place, as they carry the highest risk of virus transmission. Karim reiterated that everyone needs to practice good hand hygiene, wear masks and keep a physical distance form others.