South Africa’s COVID-19 cases amid the third wave has broken the 13 000 mark.
The Health Department says 13 246 cases were reported overnight, which represents a 21.7% positivity rate.
According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, this is the highest number of daily cases and positivity rate since January.
Health activist Dr Kgosi Letlape reacts to rising COVID-19 numbers:
The country now has 1 774 312 coronavirus cases since the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020.
Hundred and 36 new fatalities were reported overnight, taking the total national death toll to 58 223.
Latest #COVID statistics in South Africa #CoronaVirusSA https://t.co/YtSBVk56gN
— Department of Health (@HealthZA) June 16, 2021
The NICD is urging South Africans to remain vigilant and follow prevention measures as diligent as possible to help stop the spread.
It is also calling on young South Africans to assist the elderly register for vaccinations.
So far, 1 965 812 South Africans have received their COVID-19 shots.
For those who are 60 years & older, please register on EVDS: https://t.co/GMQuO2cNAe to get the vaccine. Younger generations are also encouraged to help pensioners register. If you have registered and need further assistance, contact the #COVID19 hotline 0800 029 999 ^LS
— NICD (@nicd_sa) June 16, 2021
