Ministerial Advisory Committee Co-chairperson, Koleka Mlisana, says South Africa should remain on high alert regarding the coronavirus variants circulating both in the country and abroad.
The death toll from COVID–19 related complications in South Africa is approaching 55 000.
There are concerns that the country could experience a substantial third wave of the virus.
Mlisana says it’s important for people not to drop their guard against the coronavirus.
The Department of Health has confirmed that variants of the COVID-19 virus first identified in the UK and India have been detected in South Africa.
The country has at least four cases reported of variants, with two in Gauteng and two in KwaZulu-Natal. They are all believed to have traveled from India.
While the numbers are small, many people are concerned that if not properly managed this may pose a greater risk for the country.
In the video below, South Africans urged to be vigilant amid circulating variants:
SA COVID-19 stats
The department has also expressed concern over an increase in the number of new daily coronavirus cases in Gauteng, the North West, the Northern Cape and the Free State.
The department has called on the public to continue adhering to strict COVID-19 health protocols to help avoid a third wave of infections.
The cumulative number of COVID-19-related cases identified in South Africa stands at 1 596 595 with 1 778 new cases reported.
The number of tests conducted to date is 10 887 709, of these 26 098 tests were conducted since the last report.
Eleven new COVID-19 deaths were also reported, which brings the total to 54 735, as seen in the graphic below:
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![[File Image]: A nurse at one of South Africa's hospital during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.](https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/HOSPITAL.jpg)
