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Dr. Zweli Mkhize Photo: DAILY SUN
- SA has experienced an exponential increase in coronavirus cases, surpassing the 10,000 new daily infections mark.
- 1008 cases of coronavirus have been registered. The positivity rate is now 21%.
- “This far exceeds the ideal positivity rate of 10%,” Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said on Wednesday.
South Africa recorded 166 more Covid-19-related deaths as of Wednesday, bringing the recorded death toll to 23,827.
Of the 166 deaths, 89 were recorded in the Eastern Cape, nine in the Free State, 10 in Gauteng, 25 in KwaZulu-Natal, two in Limpopo and 31 in the Western Cape.
“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and we thank the health workers who treated the deceased patients,” Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said in a statement Wednesday night.
The cumulative total of Covid-19 cases registered in South Africa is 883,687, with 10,008 new cases identified since the last report. The recoveries are at 774585.
A total of 5,968,692 tests have been completed, with 48,118 performed since the last report.
“Our daily cases are growing exponentially. Our positivity rate stands at 21%. This far exceeds the ideal positivity rate of 10%,” Mkhize said.
“Today alone we have seen a significant increase in daily figures, with the Western Cape continuing to lead and now breaking the 3,000 mark for the first time this week. Seven other provinces reported increases today,” Mkhize said Wednesday.
“We continue to assess the entire country and where we identify risks, we will participate and make a determination if further containment or restrictions are required,” Mkhize said.
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“We want to congratulate all the South Africans who heeded the government’s call and complied with regulations by not going to the beaches. We know that although this has taken time away from our people’s enjoyment, it will certainly help slow the spread of the virus.
“Our beaches are notorious for being overcrowded during this time and people tend to be carefree. We urge people to go to the beach [on Thursday] and on the days allowed, to ensure that it does not become a day of regret in which people are infected and lives are lost. We ask you to be responsible and protect yourself. Keep a physical distance from others, wear your mask, and wash or disinfect your hands.
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“We also take note of the various legal challenges that have been brought against the government regarding recent regulations. [Department of] Health, we uphold the recommendations made to the NCCC [National Coronavirus Command Council] that are well substantiated with evidence. We have every intention of opposing these applications as a department, and the government’s mandate to protect the lives and health of our people remains paramount. We dare not neglect this responsibility by failing to take the necessary actions to protect the healthcare system from being overwhelmed and collapsing, as we have seen in other countries, “added Mkhize.
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