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The worst of the coronavirus pandemic in South Africa has passed and the Department of Health will make recommendations to the Cabinet through the National Coronavirus Command Council to ease lockdown restrictions.
In a comprehensive statement late Monday night, the department stated that the current daily infection rate, hospital bed occupancy, current hospital admission rate, as well as current death rate, provided clear indicators. that the worst of the increase in Covid- 19 infections ended.
“Having observed evidence suggesting a sustained decline in coronavirus transmission, such as the Health Department, we have considered easing restrictions on various aspects, such as curfew, alcohol sales, religious gatherings, and travel restrictions, to the National Coronavirus Command Council, which will make final recommendations to the Cabinet, ”the statement read.
“Regardless of the decisions that are made, it is important to emphasize that the risk of spreading and contracting COVID-19 still remains and that non-pharmaceutical interventions remain important as we learn to coexist with the Coronavirus.”
Statistics update: 12 million infected
956 new cases were added to the count on Monday, bringing the number of total infections detected to 650,749.
However, the department said it is investigating the possibility that there is already a level of immunity existing in South African society and that up to 12 million people are infected with the coronavirus.
“Initial seroprevalence studies of convenience samples have shown a seroprevalence of between 29% and 40%. Interestingly, the reviewed models currently predict that there are probably around 12 million South Africans in total (detected and undetected) infected with coronavirus; this translates to approximately 20% of the population. We are currently embarking on a national seroprevalence study that should bring us closer to Actual seroprevalence of coronavirus antibodies and will give us a more accurate indication of our national immunity status.
“Once the national study is completed, we will communicate those results to the public.”
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Monday, 52 More deaths related to Covid-19 were reported, raising the total number of deaths related to 15 499: 2 from KwaZulu-Natal, 3 from Gauteng, 4 from Eastern Cape, 7 from Western Cape, 15 from North West and 21 from Free State.
The 7-day moving average of weekly Covid-19 cases by province. Source: Department of Health
According to the department, recoveries now stand at 579,289 which translates into a recovery rate of 88.9%.
PPE and corruption
In the statement, the department clearly stated that first-line medical care “remains of the utmost importance.”
As a result, he said, “no PPE does not work.”
A cumulative total of 32,429 healthcare workers (as of September 11) had been infected with Covid-19 and 257 deaths had been reported.
# COVID-19 Statistics in SA as of September 14.
Use the COVID Alert SA app to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Start using this privacy-preserving app today! Add your phone to the fight! Download the Covid Alert SA app now! https://t.co/8YKEqaiiRF pic.twitter.com/3qVtJK4HQE
– Dr. Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) September 14, 2020
The department also lashed out at the alleged corruption: “We note with concern the Auditor General’s findings that include deficiencies and non-compliance with the PPE procurement processes, insufficient controls to ensure receipt and payment of PPE, and the quality level of PPE, PPE delivery delays, as well as evidence of price measurement and failure to purchase PPE at market-related prices.
“This cannot be accepted.
“This must be condemned and, once all the investigations have been concluded, there must be a management of consequences for officials who may be involved in illegal acts and / or irregularities.
Click here to read the full and complete statement.
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