POLITICS

897 new Covid-19 cases in SA – Zweli Mkhize

Dept has not detected B.1.617 variant from India in SA yet, adds that port of entries are monitored

Minister Zweli Mkhize confirms total of 1 584 961 cases of Coronavirus COVID-19

3 May 2021

As if today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 584 961.

Province

Total cases for 03 May 2021

Percentage total

Eastern Cape

196122

12,4

Free State

89627

5,7

Gauteng

424639

26,8

KwaZulu-Natal

336786

21,2

Limpopo

63958

4,0

Mpumalanga

78366

4,9

North West

67920

4,3

Northern Cape

40488

2,6

Western Cape

287055

18,1

Unknown

0

0,0

Total

1584961

100,0

Testing Data

The number of tests conducted to date is 10 715 773. Of these 16 752 tests were conducted since the last report

Sector

Total tested

 

New tested

 

PRIVATE

6 002 779

56%

9 477

57%

PUBLIC

4 712 994

44%

7 275

43%

Total

10 715 773

 

16 752

 

Deaths and Recoveries

Today, 35 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 2, Free State 6, Gauteng 7, Kwa-Zulu Natal 16, Limpopo 0, Mpumalanga 1, North West 0, Northern Cape 2 and Western Cape 1, which brings the total to 54 452 deaths.

We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased patients

The cumulative recoveries now stand at 1 508 558, representing a recovery rate of 95%.

Province

Total Deaths

Total Recoveries

Active Cases

Eastern Cape

11570

184 382

170

Free State

3886

82 097

3 644

Gauteng

10671

410 936

3 032

KwaZulu-Natal

10404

321 038

5 344

Limpopo

2272

61 424

262

Mpumalanga

1397

76 295

674

North West

1725

63 136

3 059

Northern Cape

900

35 742

3 846

Western Cape

11627

273 508

1 920

Total

54 452

1 508 558

21 951

Vaccination Rollout

The number of Health Care Workers Vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol to date is 329 098.

Concerns Regarding the B.1.617 Variant Circulating in India (and Other Variants)

We have noted the concerns raised both directly with us and on social media regarding possible im-portation of the B.1.617 variant circulating in India. This is appreciated with the context of knowing that there are several variants of concern (VOC’s) circulating around the world.

We wish to reassure citizens that there are no direct flights from India and that all our ports of entry employ stringent containment procedures to minimise the importation of COVID-19. We are currently on high alert to screen passengers and test those who require further assessment.

We have not detected the B.1.617 variant as yet in South Africa, however, we have consulted members of the the genomics team who have informed us that they they have intensified their surveillance not only to ensure that variant can be detected quickly but also to understand what the implications are for us in the context of B.1.351 being the dominant variant in South Africa. This work is ongoing and we commit to continue to be guided by science.

Meanwhile, we have also consulted the Ministerial Advisory Committee to advise us on the approach to management of travelers from countries that have epidemics driven by variants of concern. Their advise will assist us to determine the next steps forward, of which government will announce these determinations in due course.

For now we ask for calm to prevail as we continue to adhere to the health protocols, tighten containment measures at our ports of entry and keep a balance as we maintain economic activity.

Issued by Department of Health, 3 May 2021