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As of Friday, January 22, 2021, the accumulated number of Covid-19 cases detected is 1,392,568 with 11,761 new cases identified, confirmed Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.
A further 575 deaths related to Covid-19 were reported, with 129 from the Eastern Cape, 37 from the Free State, 166 from Gauteng, 133 from Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), 18 from Mpumalanga, 15 from the Northern Cape and 77 from the Western Cape.
This brings the total number of Covid-19-related deaths to 40,076.
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“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and we thank the health workers who cared for the deceased,” said the minister.
Recoveries now stand at 1,201,284, representing a recovery rate of 86%.
Meanwhile, a A total of 7,882,846 tests have been completed with 62,251 new tests performed since the last report.
Promising signs of virus decline
Mkhize revealed that some promising signs of decline in Covid-19 broadcasts have been seen, which were 19% as of Friday from a high of 36% in the second wave of Covid-19.
The minister also said there was promising evidence of a downward drift in admission numbers.
READ MORE: KZN will work on Covid-19 vaccination sites as it prepares for the arrival of vaccines – Zikalala
“We hope this decline in numbers will bring much needed respite to our overwhelmed healthcare facilities, both in the public and private sectors. We are closely monitoring this to inform our process of recommending revision of some of the restrictions that are currently in place.
“However, we continue to warn that the transmission rate remains very high and we must ensure that it is reduced to an acceptable level before we can ease restrictions,” he said.
Source: Department of Health
Vaccine
On the Covid-19 vaccine, Mkhize said that the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has given approval to the Serum Institute of India to supply the department with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“In the next few days, we engaged with the public to give an update on the progress of the first batch of vaccines that we committed would be received in the first quarter.
“At this stage, we would like to assure South Africans that everything is on the right track. We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation of the vaccine launch program, ”he continued.
The minister further said that private agents have also offered vaccines to the department.
“As a department, we have been determined and wish to inform the public that it is critical that the authenticity of any such agent and vaccine be verified directly with the manufacturers. This is the only way, in our opinion, to guarantee the quality of the vaccines that can be acquired through third parties ”, he added.
READ MORE: Africa records higher mortality rates during the ‘second wave’ of Covid-19
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