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The Western Cape has recorded the highest daily infection rate, surpassing 3,000, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, which is not far behind the 3,000 mark.
FILE: Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize during a walk at Dora Ngiza Hospital in Port Elizabeth on July 23, 2020. Image: @ DrZweliMkhize / Twitter
JOHANNESBURG – With the daily COVID-19 infection rate again exceeding 10,000, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said the government would assess the entire country and make a decision on whether to implement more containment measures and restrictions.
On Monday, when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced stricter lockdown regulations, he said the government’s national command council was on standby to closely monitor developments during the second wave.
Ramaphosa warned that if the situation deteriorates, further action will be taken.
ALSO READ: COVID-19: New SA infections surpass the 10,000 mark
The country has registered 883,687 cases of the virus and the death toll is 23,827.
One hundred sixty-six of these deaths were reported during the last 24-hour cycle.
“We wish 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 while this has taken our people time for enjoyment, it will certainly help slow the spread of the virus, “Mkhize said in a statement Wednesday.
The Western Cape has recorded the highest daily infection rate, surpassing 3,000, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, which is not far behind the 3,000 mark.
Gauteng has added nearly 1,800 new infections to its bleak balance sheet.
The daily infection rate of other provinces such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape has doubled in the last day.
However, the Eastern Cape’s daily infection rate has decreased slightly, although it remains high at 1,600.
For the first time in months, South Africa passed the 10,000 new daily coronavirus cases mark; the last time the infection rate was this high was in early July at the peak of the first wave.
“We have passed the ten thousand mark for new cases. Our daily cases are growing exponentially. Our positivity rate stands at 21%, ”added Mkhize.
Back then, it took the country just 17 days to peak at just under 14,000 confirmed cases.
# COVID-19 Statistics in SA as of December 16.
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/6EWLLT9Y5t
Dr. Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) December 16, 2020
To date, the total number of confirmed # COVID-19 cases is 883 687, the total number of deaths is 23 827 and the total number of recoveries is 774 585. pic.twitter.com/NfKqqDQybx
Dr. Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) December 16, 2020
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