Covid-19 update: Mantashe in hospital, 300 staff cases at KZN hospital
Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has been admitted to hospital after his symptoms worsened. Briefly.co.za explores the latest on the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa.
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Minister Gwede Mantashe has been admitted to hospital after announcing that he has tested positive.
Meanwhile, one KwaZulu-Natal hospital has recorded over 300 staff infections, crippling the quality of healthcare.
Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the Covid-19 battle in Mzansi:
1. Mantashe admitted to hospital for Covid-19
Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has been admitted to hospital after contracting Covid-19.
Mantashe and his wife, Nolwandle, were both confirmed to have been infected, Briefly.co.za reported. However, she will continue to self-quarantine at home.
In a statement issued by Cabinet, Phumla Williams explained that the minister was admitted to hospital on Monday:
“Minister Mantashe was admitted to hospital on the advice of their family doctor for better medical attention and monitoring, whilst Mrs Mantashe will continue to self-quarantine at their home."
Williams said that the state would continue to support the family during their battle against the virus:
“We will continue to give the Mantashe family all the support they need during this time. We wish both Minister and Mrs Mantashe a speedy recovery from this invisible enemy and we are quite confident that they will emerge victorious against the coronavirus."
Source: UGC
READ ALSO: Minister Gwede Mantashe and his wife test positive for Covid-19
2. 300 Staff members at KZN hospital test positive
Over 300 workers at the Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban have tested positive for Covid-19. eNCA reports that allegations have surfaced over emergency patients not being tested and staff say their calls for more workers have fallen on deaf ears.
Denosa KZN Provincial Secretary Mandla Shabangu explained that the high number of staff members testing positive had resulted in a drop in the quality of service:
“We are aware of the developments in the hospital and the high number of infections. The other issue they are facing now is the issue of shortage of staff. You find that when people go in isolation they don’t get replaced.
"Those that are remaining are expected to nurse all those patients, including ICU patients, which at some stage carry 10 patients, and you’ll find that there are only two nurses."
READ ALSO: Presidential ties: Diko's husband allegedly scores R125m Covid-19 deal
3. Mkhize confirms 373 628 cases, 5 173 deaths
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has updated SA on the latest Covid-19 statistics in the country. In a statement issued on Monday, the minister confirmed the new cumulative total of infections:
"As of today, a cumulative total of 373 628 confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa have been recorded."
In addition to the total number of cases, Mkhize also reported the latest death toll in SA:
"Regrettably we report 140 new Covid-19-related deaths. This brings the cumulative number of deaths to 5 173. We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased. The number of recoveries currently stands at 194 865, which translates to a recovery rate of 52%."
Meanwhile, Briefly.co.za reported that a report has alleged that President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson Khusela Diko and her husband have benefited from the government's multibillion-rand effort to supply Covid-19 personal protective equipment.
Diko's husband, Madzikane II Thandisizwe Diko's company Royal Bhaca Projects was handed R125 million in contracts by the Gauteng Department of Health.
Royal Bhaca secured two contracts to the tune of R47 million and R78 million to supply and deliver PPE to the department.
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Source: Briefly News
