Coronavirus Update: SA Hits 40 000 Deaths, Mkhize Says Cases Declining
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has noted 'promising evidence' that the second wave of infections is on the decline. Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the Covid-19 pandemic.
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South Africa has been in the grips of the second wave of Covid-19 infections, enduring a rather grim festive season under the shadow of the pandemic.
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Now, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has noted some 'promising evidence' that the number of infections is on the decline.
Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the pandemic below:
1. Mkhize on declining Covid-19 cases
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has commented that there is promising evidence that the second wave of Covid-19 cases is slowing down.
The Minister noted over 11 000 new cases confirmed on Friday night but explained that this provided for a positivity rate of 19%, lower than the rate recorded at the height of the wave:
“In the past week we have observed a decline in transmission as evidenced by reduced new cases daily, a steadily decreasing positivity rate — 19% today from a high of 36% in this wave — and promising evidence of downward deflection of admission numbers."
"We are hoping that this decline in numbers is going to bring the much-required reprieve to our overwhelmed health facilities, both in the public and private sector,” the health minister said.
2. Mkhize on latest infections
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has once again updated South Africans on the latest Covid-19 infections.
In the latest statement issued by the Department of Health on Friday evening, Mkhize commented that:
"As of today, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified on South Africa is 1 392 568."
In addition to the increase in infections, Mkhize noted that SA had recorded over 40 000 fatalities:
"Regrettably, we report 575 more COVID-19 related death: Eastern Cape 129, Free State 37, Gauteng 166, Kwa-Zulu Natal 133, Mpumalanga 18, Northern Cape 15 and Western Cape 77. This brings the total to 40 076 deaths."
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that life has returned to Wuhan's hospitality industry a year after the city was the first in the world to go into lockdown due to Covid-19.
The virus was first discovered in the city and brought it to a standstill with strict social distancing measures with a 76-day lockdown.
Nightclubs and restaurants were empty but now they are bustling with life and excitement. The rest of the world continues to struggle with the virus, with many nations going into their second hard lockdowns.
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Source: Briefly News
