DOCUMENTS

6 868 tests processed in the last 24 hours - Zweli Mkhize

Minister says that there are now 3 635 confirmed cases of Covid-19, 65 deaths

Update on Covid-19 (22nd April 2020)

22 April 2020

As at today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa is 3 635.
The total number of tests conducted to date is 133 774, of which 6 868 were done in the last 24 hours.

The provincial breakdown is as follows:

GAUTENG

1224

WESTERN CAPE

1079

KWAZULU – NATAL

758

EASTERN CAPE

377

FREE STATE

106

LIMPOPO

27

NORTH WEST

24

MPUMALANGA

23

NORTHERN CAPE

16

UNALLOCATED

1

REPORTING OF DEATHS
Today, we regrettably report 7 more COVID-19 related deaths. Five of them occurred in the Western Cape and two in KwaZulu-Natal. This increases the total to 65.

We express our condolences to the affected families and appreciate the health workers who treated these patients.

Dr Zwelini Mkhize
Minister of Health

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Update on Covid-19 (21st April 2020)

Notes from the Media Briefing

21 April 2020

As at today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa is 3 465.

The total number of tests conducted to date is 126 937, of which 5427 were done in the last 24 hours.

The provincial breakdown is as follows:

GAUTENG

1199

WESTERN CAPE

1010

KWAZULU – NATAL

671

EASTERN CAPE

345

FREE STATE

106

LIMPOPO

27

NORTH WEST

24

MPUMALANGA

24

NORTHERN CAPE

16

UNALLOCATED

43

EASTERN CAPE VISIT
Today we visited the Eastern Cape where we have observed a rapid rise in the number of confirmed cases and this raised a concern. The biggest risk of spread that has been identified is the cultural practices occurring at funerals. We engaged with the provincial executive led by Premier Oscar Mabuyane together with the Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba.

We immediately took a decision to urgently deploy more medical experts including senior epidemiologists, analysts and field consultants to reinforce the provincial team, led by Dr Kerrigan McCarthy from the NICD. We are also pleased that the World Health Organisation has also assisted us by deploying more clinicians and experts.

We have also deployed senior officials from the National Department of Health to do a proper audit of the available personal protective equipment and other requirements. This is to ensure the safety and adequate protection of our health workers who are at the forefront.

We reiterate that no health worker should be exposed to the risk of infection. They must all be adequately trained on the infection prevention and control (IPC) and be protected at all times.

Dr Zwelini Mkhize
Minister of Health