South Africa has recorded eight new deaths as the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases rose by 525 to 9 420. In a statement, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize says a total of 324 079 tests have so far been conducted countrywide.
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Of the eight new deaths, seven are from the Western Cape while last death was recorded in KwaZulu-Natal. One of the deceased is reported to be a nurse from Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town.
Dr Mkhize paid a special tribute to the health worker and also passed on his condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and thank the health care workers who looked after these patients.”
In the video below, Mkhize announces the latest COVID-19 statistics:
COVID-19 cases provincially
The Western Cape still leads with the number of COVID-19 cases in South Africa as it registered the bulk of the new cases, accounting for 312 of the 525 infections. The province now has a total of 4 809 confirmed cases. The province accounts for 51.1% of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Gauteng follows behind the Western Cape with a total of 1 910 confirmed COVID-19 cases, accounting for 20.3% of the country’s total cases. The province has registered 60 new COVID-19 cases.
The Eastern Cape registered 89 infections, which is the second highest number of new COVID-19 cases nationally. The province now has 1 078 infections. It accounts for 11.4% of the country’s total COVID-19 cases.
The North West has recorded no new cases, while the Northern Cape still has the least number of cases with a total of 28 cases (0.3%). The province registered one new case.
Three thousand and 983 people have recovered from the virus.
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Below is the full statement by Dr Zweli Mkhize.
Western Cape approaches private sector for assistance
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said on Saturday that his government has approached the private sector for assistance with COVID-19 testing due to the backlog at the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS). However, Winde has acknowledged that the labs in the private sector have offered no realistic short-term relief as they are also under pressure.
He has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently intervene on the matter.
Dr Mkhize said on Saturday that he and Winde have agreed that the safety of health workers needs to be prioritised; including the provision of PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) to the workers. They have also agreed that the testing of health workers needs to be prioritised and that flu vaccines be given to health workers.
The Minister said that they have all agreed that the COVID-19 outbreak requires a collective effort.
In the video below, Winde discusses the Western Cape’s response to COVID-19:
