Question NW1216 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

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19 June 2020 - NW1216

Profile picture: Opperman, Ms G

Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1)Whether she has been informed about the allegations that expert scientific advice is ignored when determining regulations for each alert level in the fight to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the (a) details of the scientific evidence that is considered when determining regulations regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and (b) further relevant details; (2) what method is used to determine the causal link between existing interventions and the current infection and death rate statistics; (3) what are the reasons that (a) recoveries and (b) deaths continue to be factored into the calculation of the risk of exposure to Covid-19; (4) what (a) is the legal authority and constitutional and statutory justification and (b) are the decision making powers of the National, Provincial and Local Command Councils?

Reply:

1. I have not been informed about allegations that expert scientific advise is ignored. Decisions regarding the COVID – 19 pandemic are made by the Cabinet, where all members including the Minister of Health are present.

2. All decisions  of the Cabinet are informed by the  epidemiology of the pandemic.

3. Internationally, new case, accumulated cases, recoveries and deaths are recorded, likewise in South Africa.

4. Decisions regarding COVID-19 are made by Cabinet.

 

Thank you

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