COVID-19 infections continue to climb in South Africa, with the Health Department reporting 9 126 cases overnight.
It has also reported 184 new fatalities. According to the Department’s report, 103 deaths are from the Eastern Cape; four from the Free State; Gauteng has lost 11 lives; KwaZulu-Natal eight and the Western Cape 58.
The country’s COVID-19 related death toll now sits at 24 011 while the number of infections nationwide are 892 813.
SA’s latest stats:
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On Wednesday, Health authorities said they will continue to assess the entire country and will decide on necessary measures to contain the spread of the virus where they identify risks.
While commending South Africans who complied with government’s call for them to stay away from beaches, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize also defended strict regulations in hotspot areas.
“We also note the various legal challenges that have been brought against government regarding recent regulations. As Health, we stand by the recommendations made to the NCCC, which are well substantiated by evidence. We have every intention to oppose these applications as the Department and Government’s mandate to protect the lives and health of our people remains paramount. We dare not neglect this responsibility by omitting to take the necessary actions to protect the health care system from being overwhelmed and collapsing as we’ve seen in other countries,” he says.
“Caution is the eldest child of wisdom”. A message to stay safe this festive season from Prof Helen Rees, SAHPRA chair. #CelebrateSafe pic.twitter.com/vUz2EC0beT
— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) December 17, 2020
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is not pleased with government’s strict COVID-19 rules in the Garden Route.
On Thursday, it lodged court papers opposing the closure of the Garden Route beaches.
The opposition party believes the closure will lead to more job losses in the country.
SA experts discuss COVID-19 vaccines:
