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As of Monday, September 28, the cumulative number of Covid-19 cases detected is 671,669 with 903 new cases identified, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize confirmed.
188 More Covid-19-related deaths were reported: 3 from the Eastern Cape, 1 from KwaZulu-Natal, 2 from Gauteng, 4 from the Western Cape, and 178 from the Free State.
Therefore, the total number of deaths related to Covid-19 a 16,586.
Mkhize noted that the Free State has been experiencing delays for the past two weeks in reporting Covid-19 deaths, as the province collected data from various districts and verified it with data from Internal Affairs.
“This is part of efforts to improve data quality by aligning facility information with Internal Affairs statistics. The data from the post mortem swabs also had to be collected and verified.
“This is in line with the recommendations of the Medical Research Council. The data is now up to date, ”he said.
“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and we thank the health workers who treated the deceased patients,” added the minister.
Recoveries are now in 604,478 which translates into a 90% recovery rate.
Source: National Department of Health.
Mkhize also confirmed, along with reports from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the World Health Organization Emergency Team, that South Africa had overcome the rise in Covid-19 and that the country’s epidemiological curve had shown a plateau for several weeks.
“Therefore, based on the conduct of the South African pandemic, we have reassessed our national response and identified new challenges that require new approaches.”
In addition, he clarified that the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Covid-19 was not dissolved.
“As we are in an extremely fortunate position to achieve effective transmission control, the real test lies in our ability to maintain low transmission rates. This requires a more holistic approach to case management, preventive measures, and public policy.
“Therefore, it became necessary to strengthen the MAC in Covid-19 so that it is in line with its mandate to advise on effective mechanisms for the prevention of the progressive transmission of Covid-19.
“Recognizing that the composition of the current MAC focused on a biomedical approach, the Minister has made the decision to expand the existing committee with several other experts from different sectors.”
The minister went on to say that the reinforced MAC in Covid-19 was made up of biomedical doctors; clinical experts; ethicists; the nursing profession; Social Sciences; researchers; and community leaders who will advise on the interventions to consider to respond to the epidemic.
“Also to influence the behavior change that is required to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
“The strengthened MAC will still maintain a degree of continuity, retaining many of the experts from the original clinical-biomedical MAC, including incumbent President Prof Abdool-Karim, Prof Marc Mendelson, Prof Sthembiso Mkhize, Prof Rudo Mathivha and Prof Nombulelo Magula, Among others.”
Read the full statement here.
Covid-19 National Daily Report Public 09/28/2020
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