South Africa has recorded more than 2 000 new coronavirus cases for the third day in a row. The country has since the last reporting period recorded 2 256 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the cumulative number of cases in the country to 1 592 626.
The death toll has climbed to 54 687 after 67 new deaths were also reported on Friday.
Most of the new fatalities are from the Limpopo, which has recorded 26 deaths.
“Today, 67 more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 1, Free State 0, Gauteng 13, KwaZulu-Natal 5, Limpopo 26, Mpumalanga 2, North West 0, Northern Cape 10 and Western Cape 10; which brings the total to 54 687 deaths. We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased patients,” says Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, in a statement.
Below are the latest COVID-19 stats:
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Tests and recoveries
South Africa has conducted 10 831 738 tests so far, with 25 934 tests conducted in the last 24-hour cycle.
The private sector accounts for 56% (6 071 617) of total tests, while the public sector accounts for 44% (4 760 121 ).
The country’s recoveries stand at 1 513 202, with a recovery rate of 95%.
The number of healthcare workers vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol currently stands at 381 171.
The Gauteng provincial government says it has additional healthcare capacity in anticipation of any surge in COVID-19 cases.
Health experts say there’s been an escalation in the number of new COVID-19 cases in Gauteng. The Emfuleni region in Sedibeng on the Vaal is one of the areas that experts are worried about as numbers there are approaching a third wave threshold.
The increasing numbers have been blamed on family and religious gatherings and people relaxing their adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura says they have secured additional hospital beds, oxygen and extra healthcare personnel.
