Worrying trend of increasing Covid-19 numbers – Zweli Mkhize
Zweli Mkhize |
09 May 2021
Minister says there have been 2 191 new cases in the last 24 hours
Update on Covid-19
8 May 2021
As of today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 594 817.
Testing Data The number of tests conducted to date is 10 861 611. Of these 29 873 tests were conducted since the last report
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Deaths and Recoveries Today, 37 more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 0, Free State 2, Gauteng 21, Kwa-Zulu Natal 7, Limpopo 0, Mpumalanga 0, North West 0, Northern Cape 7 and Western Cape 0 which brings the total to 54 724 deaths.
We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased patients.
The cumulative recoveries now stand at 1 514 088, representing a recovery rate of 95%.
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Previous: 7 May 2021
As of today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 592 626.
Vaccination Rollout
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The number of Health Care Workers Vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol to date is 382 480.
Testing Data
The number of tests conducted to date is 10 831 738. Of these 25 934 tests were conducted since the last report
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Deaths and Recoveries
Today, 67 more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 1, Free State 0, Gauteng 13, Kwa-Zulu Natal 5, Limpopo 26, Mpumalanga 2, North West 0, Northern Cape 10 and Western Cape 10, which brings the total to 54 687 deaths.
We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased patients.
The cumulative recoveries now stand at 1 513 202, representing a recovery rate of 95%.
Vaccination Rollout
The number of Health Care Workers Vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol to date is 381 171.
Update: 6 May 2021
As of today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 590 370.
Province
Total cases for 06 May 2021
Percentage total
Eastern Cape
196196
12,3
Free State
90766
5,7
Gauteng
426380
26,8
KwaZulu-Natal
337030
21,2
Limpopo
64063
4,0
Mpumalanga
78712
4,9
North West
68486
4,3
Northern Cape
41166
2,6
Western Cape
287571
18,1
Unknown
0
0,0
Total
1590370
100,0
Testing Data
The number of tests conducted to date is 10 805 804. Of these 32 577 tests were conducted since the last report
Sector
Total tested
New tested
PRIVATE
6 058 427
56%
19 055
58%
PUBLIC
4 747 377
44%
13 522
42%
Total
10 805 804
32 577
Deaths and Recoveries
Today 63 COVID-19 deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 6, Free State 21, Gauteng 17, Kwa- Zulu Natal 5, Limpopo 0, Mpumalanga 3, North West 0, Northern Cape 5 and Western Cape 6 which brings the total to 54 620 deaths.
We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased patients.
The cumulative recoveries now stand at 1 511 905, representing a recovery rate of 95%.
Province
Total Deaths
Total Recoveries
Active Cases
Eastern Cape
11587
184 416
193
Free State
3911
82 827
4 028
Gauteng
10728
411 549
4 103
KwaZulu-Natal
10415
321 121
5 494
Limpopo
2310
61 452
301
Mpumalanga
1400
76 454
858
North West
1725
63 405
3 356
Northern Cape
908
36 700
3 558
Western Cape
11636
273 981
1 954
Total
54 620
1 511 905
23 845
Vaccination Rollout
The number of Health Care Workers Vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol to date is 366 101.
Rise in COVID-19 Infections and Prevention of a Third Wave
In the past two weeks, we have noticed a worrying trend of increasing numbers of detected cases in a number of districts. Free State, Gauteng, Northern Cape and North West are of particular concern but every province, with the notable exception of Eastern Cape, has at least one district of concern. The districts that have been flagged by NICD as “under observation,” due to an appreciable rise in the 14 day average percent change, are listed below. Although some of these districts may have relatively low case incidences, the significant rise in percentage changes should be taken as a serious warning. All districts listed below have had an average rise of 20% or more in the past 14 days:
Province
District
Free State
Mangaung Metro
Free State
Fezile Dabi
Free State
Xhariep
Free State
Lejweleputswa
Gauteng
City Of Johannesburg Metro
Gauteng
Sedibeng
Gauteng
Ekurhuleni Metro
Gauteng
City Of Tshwane Metro
KwaZulu-Natal
Ethekwini Metro
Limpopo
Capricorn
Limpopo
Mopani
Mpumalanga
Nkangala
Mpumalanga
Gert Sibande
North West
Dr Ruth Segomotsi MompaK
North West
Dr Kenneth Kaunda
North West
Bojanala PlaKnum
Northern Cape
Pixley Ka Seme
Northern Cape
Zf Mgcawu
Northern Cape
Frances Baard
Western Cape
Cape Winelands
Western Cape
Overberg
We must commend the Eastern Cape, where every district has recorded a zero percent average change. This does not mean they are not getting new infections but it does mean they have maintained a plateau, which is very encouraging. The Eastern cape suffered a devastating second wave and was the first province to adopt a differentiated approach where certain metros and districts im- plemented tighter regulations than others, where it became necessary. The Eastern Cape has made great sacrifices to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19 and we must acknowledge this result and encourage the province to keep this up.
This reinforces the message that we can all play our part to ensure that these rise in infections do not turn into a third wave. We all know what it takes to keep the Coronavirus at bay- strict wearing of masks, sanitizing and avoiding crowded gatherings. The government can facilitate and intervene but ultimately we would rather concentrate on economic recovery rather than imposing more restrictions. Therefore every citizen must adhere to the non-pharmaceutical interventions if we are to avoid further restrictions.
This also goes for the way we approach the threat of variants of concern (VOC’s), like the B.1.617 variant circulating in India. Scientists around the world do not blame the devastating wave of COVID-19 on the variant alone but always observe that the lack of non-pharmaceutical interventions played a major role in the spread of the variant in that country.
Even though the B.1.351 (prevalent in our country) has more mutations than the B.1.617 (prevalent in India), we were still able to control the spread of B.1.351 in South Africa and bring the wave down to a plateau. Therefore we have no need to panic about the B.1.617 because, as with any variant of the Coronavirus, the treatment is the same and the way we prevent spread is the same.
Our scientists are working hard to examine the samples taken from patients that traveled from India. One of the sequences of a traveller has been completed and it turned out to be the B.1.351 variant- the one that is circulating here in South Africa. This tells us that one cannot assume that a traveller carries any particular variant and this is why we insist on being guided by the science.
Having said that, we do share the concerns of our citizens that we could import a variant of concern that can drive another wave. For this reason, the NCCC is deliberating on the issue of border control and final determinations will find expression in Cabinet and be communicated to the public accordingly.