Thabo Mohlala
South Africa’s Covid-19 infections continue to rise almost every day causing more strain not only on the already fatigued frontline workers but also the stretched public health facilities.
The death rate was at 806 while 18 555 more cases were detected. The total deaths now stand at 35 140. This is a developing story and the situation changes at the moment’s notice.
In terms of mortalities, Eastern Cape reported 150 deaths, Free State 24, Gauteng 211, Kwa-Zulu Natal 235, Limpopo 14, Mpumalanga 14, Northern Cape 7 and Western Cape 151.
According to the statistics released on Wednesday by the minister of health, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, the cumulative number of Covid-19 cases identified in South Africa stood at 1 278 303, the numbers are likely to soar as the daily infections cases increase rapidly.
Four provinces contributed to this tally, namely Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Gauteng topped the list with 346 482 (27.1), followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 264 532 (20.7), Western Cape had 248 339 (19.4) while the Eastern Cape recorded 183 594 (14.4).
Dr. Mkhize also indicated that “the cumulative total of tests conducted to date is 7 358 741 with 71 681 new tests conducted since the last report”.
But amidst these gloomy reports of the nationally accelerating infections fuelled by the new variant of the coronavirus, the minister of health, Dr. Mkhize has some good stories to share as all the provinces show appreciable number of people recovering from the virus. Dr. Mkhize said the recoveries now stand at 1 030 930, representing a recovery rate of 80, 6%.
Meanwhile, Western Cape premier, Alan Winde said his province is showing remarkable progress as the daily infection rates are stabilising. He urged the residents to continue adhering to the preventative measures including regularly wearing a mask, sanitising and maintaining social distancing.
Media reports suggest Limpopo is recording increased number of infections with the premier Stanley Mathabatha set to announce risk-adjusted measures at the hotspot areas.
