Covid-19 update: Fatalities spike to 2 102, Mboweni to table budget
Covid-19 fatalities have passed 2 000 after 111 deaths were recorded in a single day. Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic in SA.
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The nation continues to endure the Covid-19 pandemic, and while infections and fatalities are spiking, the economic impact is in the spotlight as well.
Briefly.co.za explores the latest news updates on the situation below:
1. Fatalities surpass 2 000 as Covid-19 infections climb
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has confirmed the latest Covid-19 statistics in SA.
In a statement issued by the Health Ministry on Tuesday evening, Mkhize commented that:
"As of today, the cumulative number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa is 106 108. Regrettably, we report a further 111 Covid-19 related deaths - 1 from Mpumalanga, 4 from KwaZulu-Natal, 28 from Eastern Cape and 78 from Western Cape."
The minister explained that this brings the total death toll up to 2 102 while recoveries stand at over 55 000:
"This brings the total deaths to 2 102. We wish to express our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased. The mortality rate is 2%. The number of recoveries is 55 045, which translates to a recovery rate of 51,9%."
2. Tito Mboweni to table critically important budget
Finance Minister Tito Mboweni is set to table an emergency budget on Wednesday.
Briefly.co.za reported that unemployment rates in SA reached a staggering 30.1%, according to Stats SA.
Over seven million people are now predicted to be jobless in the country, a critical situation worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
READ ALSO: South Africa's unemployment rate increases to worst level in 10 years
3. Aspen can provide SA with huge supply of Covid-19 breakthrough drug
Dexamethasone has been lauded as a breakthrough drug against the Covid-19 virus and it is locally produced by Aspen.
The pharmaceutical company says that it could provide 10 million dexamethasone tablets in the space of a single month according to chief executive Stephen Saad:
"Aspen has looked at the short-term needs and can provide 10 million tablets in the next three to four weeks. We would look to ramp up further should there be a need for additional product."
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Source: Briefly News