Watch: Super-spreader fears mount after youths ‘host party on the R55’
Why is it so hard for some people to understand the dangers that come with being in the second wave of a deadly pandemic, which is now producing a new strain of the virus? A group of youths have been roundly condemned for their ‘super-spreader’ antics over the weekend, as a convoy rocked up to Daspoort Tunnel on the R55 for a party.
R55 traffic halted by youth convoy
The young revellers blocked off the roads, sparking a major traffic incident, before getting out of their cars and dancing to music. Beer bottles and other alcoholic beverages were visible amongst the crowd, and the impromptu gathering broke several COVID-19 regulations – as well as general traffic laws.
Their decision to use the Daspoort Tunnel as a party hub could be a very dangerous one. Any gatherings in an indoor setting have the potential to spread the coronavirus, as the disease thrives in enclosed spaces. Many are now fearing that a new super-spreader event could be declared in Pretoria, due to the ignorance of these partygoers.
Watch: Party in Daspoort tunnel sparks super-spreader fears
#COVID19 is real. My heart breaks to see young people ignoring the warnings. They shut the Daspoort Tunnel between Claremont and Danville in Pretoria. Sadly it’s their parents and elderly caregivers that will feel the brunt of virus when they bring it home 🥲 pic.twitter.com/1oOHHAWRZW
— Peter Ndoro (@peterndoro) December 21, 2020
Daspoort Tunnel Pretoria. #Covid19SA pic.twitter.com/pmDaMdBAr2
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) December 22, 2020
Daspoort Tunnel: R55 incident enrages locals
Rage parties held in Gauteng have also been identified as super-spreader events.
More recently, a religious gathering and a mass protest in KZN were identified as sites where COVID-19 infections exploded, putting the province on the brink of disaster. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize recently revealed that the virus is now affecting younger citizens more than anyone else – with transmission highest between those aged 15-19.
For the overwhelming majority of us doing our best to act responsibly and stay safe during this pandemic, scenes like the ones witnessed on the R55 make for a horrifying watch.
@RekordNewspaper What on earth is the #superspreader event in #Pretoria west? Convoy of young people 4 to 8 per car, no masks, drinking, sitting ontop cars, dancing in road. Easily 1.5 km long, > 30 cars. Blocked #Daspoort tunnel Southbound when i was passing
— David (@zidhiva) December 20, 2020
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