The Health Department says as of Tuesday, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa stands at 76 334.
The department says it regrettably report a further 57 COVID-19 related deaths: 44 from Western Cape, nine from the Eastern Cape, and four from KwaZulu Natal.
COVID-19 Provincial breakdown:
Loading…
The mentioned numbers bring the total national deaths to 1625 with a mortality rate of 2.1%.
The department extended condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thanked the health care workers who treated the deceased.
The recoveries to date are 42 063– this translates to a recovery rate of 55.1%
Breakthrough in COVID-19 therapeutics research
The department says it is extremely excited that there has been an important breakthrough in one of the therapeutic trials for COVID-19 management.
“The recovery (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 therapy) trial has published results on the therapeutic merits of low dose dexamethasone which are extremely promising and are easily implementable in our country Dexamethasone is a well-known and widely used steroid which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in allergic reactions, asthma and other conditions where the inflammatory component of the disease needs to be controlled for better outcomes, said the department.
As of today, the cumulative number of confirmed #COVID19 cases is 76 334, the total number of deaths is 1625 and recoveries to date are 42 063. Also included is the MAC advisory pertaining to the clinical applications of the use of Dexamethasone. pic.twitter.com/MVDhNeOsLU
— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) June 16, 2020
The Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 has issued an advisory pertaining to the clinical applications of the breaking study results.
In this video below, WHO warns of second COVID-19 outbreak as China shuts its schools:
