South Africa has recorded 13 449 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the nation’s total cases to 364 328.
Gauteng now accounts for 36.7% (13 3617) of the nation’s total cases. The Northern Cape accounts for the least cases provincially. The province has reported 2 266 (0.6%) of SA’s total cases.
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize says 85 new COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded, bringing the nation’s total fatalities to 5 033.
The Western Cape has recorded the most deaths provincially, accounting for 2 619 of total fatalities, while the Northern Cape has recorded the least deaths. The province’s death toll is at 15.
Minister Mkhize has conveyed his condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and has thanked the healthcare workers who took care of them.
South Africa has conducted 2 471 747 total tests, with 49 006 tests conducted in the last 24-hour cycle. The country’s recovery rate is at 52.4% with 191 059 recoveries reported.
Below is Minister Mkhize’s full statement:
‘It’s in your hands’
The Health Minister on Saturday made an “urgent appeal” to South Africans to take COVID-19 seriously as the number of infections continue to rise.
He echoed the President’s call, reminding South African’s that the onus is now on them to ensure that the curve flattens.
Mkhize says government has done all it could to contain the spread.
#ListenToTheDoctor
The recommended isolation period for patients with a confirmed Covid-19 infection has been reduced from 14 to 10 days. Joburg GP Dr Marlin McKay explains how this applies to people in isolation and quarantine.https://t.co/RKNir8bJrE— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) July 19, 2020
In the video below, Mkhize announces new measures to contain COVID-19:
