SA records 1 006 new COVID-19 cases, 65 deaths

South Africa has recorded 1 006 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the country’s total cases to 1 529 420.

The death toll has climbed to 51 326 after 65 new deaths were reported.

Most of the new fatalities are from the Free State, which has recorded 27 deaths.

“Regrettably, we report a further 65 COVID-19 related deaths: Eastern Cape one, Free State 27, Gauteng 12, Kwa-Zulu Natal 20, Limpopo 0, Mpumalanga 0, North West 0, Northern Cape 0 and Western Cape five; which brings the total to 51 326 deaths. We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased,” says Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

Tests and recoveries

South Africa has conducted 9 450 492 tests so far, with 23 903 conducted in the last 24-hour cycle.

The private sector accounts for 56% (5 315 755) of total tests, while the public sector accounts for 44% (4 134 737).

The country’s recoveries stand at 1 454 290, with a recovery rate of 95%.

Vaccine rollout

The number of healthcare workers vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol remains at 145 544.

Latest COVID-19 statistics in SA: 

Concern over rising cases

Senior researcher at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr Ridhwaan Suliman, has raised concern over the steady rise of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Suliman is attributing this to the relaxed lockdown level one regulations and this new trend needs to be nipped in the bud.

“There’s certainly a change in the trajectory that we have seen over the previous eight weeks. It’s something that we do need to take note of. With increased mobility, mobility data confirming increased movement across provinces and out of residential areas as well as an increase in gatherings it would be naïve to ignore the fact that we possibly starting to see the effects of the change into the level one restrictions and we hope to try and nip this in the bud before it grows any further. Hopefully it’s just a slight hiccup or a slight speed bump as a start of a mountain ahead,” he says.

Discussion on COVID-19 statistics in SA: