The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in South Africa has surpassed the 10 000 mark with confirmed infections now at 10 015. The Western Cape and the Eastern Cape account for 84% of the country’s 595 new COVID-19 cases.
The country has recorded eight new deaths related to the virus overnight. Four of the deaths occurred in Gauteng, three in the Western Cape and the other in the Eastern Cape.
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The Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize has conveyed government’s condolences to the loved ones of those who lost their lives. He has also thanked the health workers who cared for them.
Dr Mkhize says a total of 341 336 have been done with the public sector accounting for 51% of total tests and the private sector 49%.
Provincial COVID-19 cases
The Western Cape remains the province with the highest number of COVID-19 cases. The province has a total number of 5 168 confirmed cases while 98 people have died from the virus. It is followed by Gauteng with 1 952 cases and 22 deaths.
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The Northern Cape has the least number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The province has 29 positive cases and has had no deaths recorded.
Recoveries
Dr Mkhize says that he is encouraged by the number of South Africans who have recovered from the global pandemic. A total of 4 173 people have recovered from the virus, with the Western Cape recording a bulk of the recoveries of 1 607.
The Northern Cape has had 16 recoveries.
Below is a statement on COVID-19 cases in SA.
Correctional services
The Department of Correctional Services has recorded 15 new confirmed COVID-19 cases at its correctional facilities. Eleven officials and four prisoners have tested positive for the virus.
Ten of the new cases are from the Eastern Cape, while five are from the Western Cape.
On Friday, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services announced that almost 19 000 prisoners will be released on parole in a bid to combat the spread of COVID-19 from the country’s already overcrowded correctional centres.
President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised parole for inmates convicted for petty crimes in response to the United Nations’ (UN) call for countries to reduce their prison populations.
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