The number of coronavirus cases in South Africa has increased by 31, bringing the number to 1 686. In a statement, the Department of Health has also announced another death of a 57-year-old man from the Western Cape.
KwaZulu-Natal accounts for the most deaths with 7 fatalities followed by the Western Cape with 3. Gauteng and the Free State each have one death from coronavirus.
Today we are saddened to report another COVID-19 related death. The deceased patient is a 57 year old male from the Western Cape, who was admitted on the 5th April 2020. He had co-morbidities that included diabetes and ischaemic heart disease pic.twitter.com/CeIR2VAati
— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) April 6, 2020
Gauteng currently has 713 cases, followed by the Western Cape with 462 cases.
6 April 2020
As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is 1686. This is an increase of 31 from the previously reported cases #COVID19 #CoronaVirusUpdate pic.twitter.com/89DPLNjU3U— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) April 6, 2020
Correctional official test positive for COVID-19
Correctional Services says one of its officials at the East London Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape has tested positive for coronavirus.
The department says people who came into contact with the woman are being traced and will be quarantined. Mass screening and testing will take place tomorrow* at the East London Female Correctional Centre.
The National Institute for Communicable Disease will commence with mass screening and testing on Wednesday at East London Female Correctional Centre.
Take necessary precautions
Evangelical preacher Angus Buchan has described people who do not want to be in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 as selfish. Buchan tested positive for the virus after he attended a mass gathering in March, in Bloemfontein, where African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) leader Kenneth Meshoe was also a guest of honour.
Buchan and his wife went into isolation. He says he is in high spirits at home in isolation with his wife Jill, who also tested positive.
He encourages others who test positive to be calm and take all the necessary precautions.
“Since I have had the virus I can identify with many millions of people right around the globe who have got it. God has been really good to me. There have been no symptoms. I just want to encourage all the listeners that they must keep their eyes on Jesus. This terrible plate will pass by and South Africa will continue. And I want to say to the people not to be worried they need to isolate themselves, because that’s what the government requires. I fully support that because it’s a selfish thing if you do not isolate yourself. ”
Vavi’s condition improving
South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, who is battling coronavirus, says his condition has improved from Sunday when he was admitted to hospital.
The trade union leader was diagnosed with coronavirus last Thursday. His condition deteriorated over the weekend after he experienced a high fever and had shortness of breath.
Admitted for hospitalization! Doctors just want to ensure! Thanks again! pic.twitter.com/DFijSsfPCW
— Zwelinzima Vavi (@Zwelinzima1) April 5, 2020
Vavi says he will be discharged and recover at home.
“The doctors, after testing, expressed some concerns about the levels of oxygen in my body and there was a clear infection in the lungs. So I went to some treatment overnight and further observation. This morning, they are happy, I’m going home I will be discharged and I will continue to be in isolation.”
In the video below, Vavi says he is going to rely on the support of family to continue fighting against the virus:
Adhere to regulations
Meanwhile, veteran politician Mangosuthu Buthelezi has also added his voice to calls on people to respect the coronavirus lockdown regulations. Over 17 000 people countrywide have been arrested thus far for breaking the lockdown regulations.
At the weekend, 53 people were arrested in eNseleni, outside Richards Bay, for holding a wedding.
In the video below, the bride is among those nabbed for failing to adhere to coronavirus regulations:
Buthelezi says it is unfortunate that some people are making a mockery of the situation on social media.
” We should all praise our head of state Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa for the step he has taken towards this pandemic. I think all our people should be united in listening what the government is saying because the government is saying this not to get votes, but in order to protect ourselves , all of us. We thank the Minister of Police in particular for the stance he has taken. It is a tragedy that in spite of this there are some of our people who really do not behave as if they see, that they themselves are in, who think this is a joke when it is not a joke at all.”
Co-circulation of #COVID19 and influenza may increase the pressure on the healthcare system. The following people are at an increased risk:
Individuals with cardiovascular disease or chronic lung disease
The elderly
Pregnant women
People living with HIV and AIDS#StaySafe pic.twitter.com/6dcrWzpAa1— NICD (@nicd_sa) April 4, 2020
