Mzansi records over 14000 new infections in one day
The department of Health has raised its concerns over the exponential growth in new COVID-19 infections across the country.
About 14 046 COVID-19 cases have been identified since the last report at a positivity rate of 26%. Therefore, the cumulative total of COVID-19 cases is 954 258.
According to the department, this indicates that the virus continues to spread at an alarming rate- indeed the spread is much faster than the first wave and we will surpass the peak of the first wave in the coming days.
“We must warn South Africans that we will need to review the current restrictions and consider further measures to ensure that we curb this alarming rate of spread,” said minister Dr Zweli Mkhize.
All provinces, with the exception of the Eastern Cape, continue to report increases in their cases with KwaZulu Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng Province registering the largest increases and comprising 81% of the new cases today (30%, 28% and 23% respectively).
Recoveries now stand at 811 372 but it is important to register the continued rise of active cases which now stand at 117 229. Deaths continue to rise as well and today we are saddened to report an additional 411 COVID-19 related deaths: Eastern Cape 101, Free State 3, Gauteng 34, Kwa-Zulu Natal 90,Mpumalanga 6, North West 6 and Western Cape 171.
“We can never stress enough the need for citizens to take every precaution necessary as we celebrate the festive season and look for reprieve from a tough year. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is unrelenting and we therefore cannot afford to be complacent at this stage,” continued Dr Mkhize.
The minister strongly urges all South Africans to adhere to the regulations and recommendations pertaining to the National State of Disaster, avoid large gatherings and congested environments, ensure adequate ventilation in venues where they gather and vigilantly adhere to non-pharmaceutical interventions: that is wearing of masks, social distancing and sanitization of hands and shared surfaces.
