Our country is facing an unprecedent emergency, arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 3rd wave we are experiencing currently has impacted all corners of our country with devastating ferocity. New infections have increased exponentially, so has the number of hospitalizations and deaths. There is hardly a family or a community in this country that has not been touched. We have all either buried a loved one whose death is attributed to COVID-19, or we know a friend or a neighbour who has. Our country is literally in a existential struggle again this pandemic. We are in a fight for our very lives.
2. In recent weeks, health facilites in the public and private sector around the country have
recorded the highest number of patients admission in our country history. This has exerted tremendous pressure on the health system. Our mortuaries have reached maximum capacity. There are funerals taking place in different communities on a daily basis. Our health care workers are working long hours taking care of the patients. This is true for all frontline workers in the national effort to combat COVID-19. I salute them for their commitment to duty and selfeless patriotic service.