DOCUMENTS

831 new cases identified in last 24 hours – Zweli Mkhize

Minister says Eastern Cape and Western Cape combined comprise 91% of new recorded cases

Covid-19 Update

16 May 2020

As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa is 14 355 with 831 new cases identified in the last 24-hour cycle of testing.

Case Data
Province

Total cases for 16 May 2020

Percentage total

Eastern Cape

1812

12,6

Free State

153

1,1

Gauteng

2262

15,8

KwaZulu-Natal

1498

10,4

Limpopo

59

0,4

Mpumalanga

68

0,5

North West

64

0,4

Northern Cape

35

0,2

Western Cape

8404

58,5

Unknown

0

0,0

Total

14355

100,0

The Eastern Cape and Western Cape combined comprise 91% of the new 831 cases.

Testing Data

439 559 tests have been conducted with 18 004 done in the last 24 hour cycle.

Reported Deaths and Recoveries
Regrettably we report a further 14 COVID-19 related deaths- this brings the total national deaths to 261
We wish to express our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who cared for the deceased

The total number of recoveries to date is 6478

Province

Deaths

Recoveries

Eastern Cape

32

746

Free State

6

108

Gauteng

25

1583

KwaZulu Natal

45

806

Limpopo

3

37

Mpumalanga

0

49

North West

1

28

Northern Cape

0

24

Western Cape

149

3097

Total

261

6478

WHO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY FOR EASING “LOCKDOWN” RESTRICTIONS

I am sure many South Africans are eagerly looking forward to a return to normality, albeit a “new normal.”

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your tenacity, stoicism and true partnership with government. Together we succeeded in flattening the curve, which facilitated ramping up and cohesion of our health care system as well as preparation of our spaces as we resume our economic and social development.

A few examples is that we have screened 10 737 341 citizens, we now have 376 sites identified for quarantine nationally with 30 823 quarantine beds. Significantly our mortality rate, 1.8%, remains well below the global average which is currently 6.6% and our recovery rate is 42.4%, above the global average of 38%.

The process of easing lockdown regulations is a highly consultative one where various stakeholder inputs are taken into account to influence implementation.

We remain guided by the World Health Organization recommendations for easing lockdown restrictions, which are:

1. Strong surveillance, cases are declining and transmission is controlled
2. Health systems capacity is in place to detect, isolate, test and treat every case and trace very contact
3. That outbreak risks are minimized especially in settings like facilities and nursing homes
4. That preventive measures are in place in workplaces, schools and other places that are essential for people to go
5. That importation of cases can be managed
6. That communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to adjust to the new norm

The Director General of WHO Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus continued by saying:

“The risk of returning to lockdown remains very real if countries do not manage the transition extremely carefully and in a phased approach.”

Previous:

15 May 2020 Update

As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa is 13 524

Case Data

Province

New cases on 15 May 2020

Total cases for 15 May 2020

Percentage total

Eastern Cape

93

1662

12,3

Free State

6

151

1,1

Gauteng

75

2210

16,3

KwaZulu-Natal

38

1482

11,0

Limpopo

2

57

0,4

Mpumalanga

0

67

0,5

North West

5

63

0,5

Northern Cape

3

34

0,3

Western Cape

563

7798

57,7

Unknown

0

0

0,0

Total

785

13524

100,0

Testing Data

421 555 tests have been conducted with 18 537 done in the last 24 hour cycle.

Sector

Total Tested

 

New tested

 

Private

206 781

49%

8 464

46%

Public

214 774

51%

10 073

54%

Grand Total

421 555

 

18 537

 

Reported Deaths and Recoveries

Regrettably we report a further 9 COVID-19 related deaths- this brings the total national deaths to 247

We wish to express our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who cared for the deceased

We are however encouraged by the rising number of recoveries which now stands at 6 083.

Province

Deaths

Recoveries

Eastern Cape

31

643

Free State

6

108

Gauteng

24

1552

KwaZulu Natal

45

795

Limpopo

3

36

Mpumalanga

0

44

North West

1

28

Northern Cape

0

20

Western Cape

137

2857

Total

247

6083

Issued by Department of Health, 16 May 2020