DOCUMENTS

Worrying trend of increasing Covid-19 numbers – Zweli Mkhize

Minister says there have been 2 191 new cases in the last 24 hours

Update on Covid-19

8 May 2021

As of today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 594 817.

Testing Data
The number of tests conducted to date is 10 861 611. Of these 29 873 tests were conducted since the last report

Deaths and Recoveries
Today, 37 more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 0, Free State 2, Gauteng 21, Kwa-Zulu Natal 7, Limpopo 0, Mpumalanga 0, North West 0, Northern Cape 7 and Western Cape 0 which brings the total to 54 724 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 1 514 088, representing a recovery rate of 95%.

***

Previous: 7 May 2021

As of today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 592 626.

Vaccination Rollout

The number of Health Care Workers Vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol to date is 382 480.

Testing Data

The number of tests conducted to date is 10 831 738. Of these 25 934 tests were conducted since the last report

Deaths and Recoveries

Today, 67 more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 1, Free State 0, Gauteng 13, Kwa-Zulu Natal 5, Limpopo 26, Mpumalanga 2, North West 0, Northern Cape 10 and Western Cape 10, which brings the total to 54 687 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 1 513 202, representing a recovery rate of 95%.

Vaccination Rollout

The number of Health Care Workers Vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol to date is 381 171.

Update: 6 May 2021

As of today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 590 370.

Province

Total cases for 06 May 2021

Percentage total

Eastern Cape

196196

12,3

Free State

90766

5,7

Gauteng

426380

26,8

KwaZulu-Natal

337030

21,2

Limpopo

64063

4,0

Mpumalanga

78712

4,9

North West

68486

4,3

Northern Cape

41166

2,6

Western Cape

287571

18,1

Unknown

0

0,0

Total

1590370

100,0

Testing Data

The number of tests conducted to date is 10 805 804. Of these 32 577 tests were conducted since the last report

Sector

Total tested

 

New tested

 

PRIVATE

6 058 427

56%

19 055

58%

PUBLIC

4 747 377

44%

13 522

42%

Total

10 805 804

 

32 577

 

Deaths and Recoveries

Today 63 COVID-19 deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 6, Free State 21, Gauteng 17, Kwa- Zulu Natal 5, Limpopo 0, Mpumalanga 3, North West 0, Northern Cape 5 and Western Cape 6 which brings the total to 54 620 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 1 511 905, representing a recovery rate of 95%.

Province

Total Deaths

Total Recoveries

Active Cases

Eastern Cape

11587

184 416

193

Free State

3911

82 827

4 028

Gauteng

10728

411 549

4 103

KwaZulu-Natal

10415

321 121

5 494

Limpopo

2310

61 452

301

Mpumalanga

1400

76 454

858

North West

1725

63 405

3 356

Northern Cape

908

36 700

3 558

Western Cape

11636

273 981

1 954

Total

54 620

1 511 905

23 845

Vaccination Rollout

The number of Health Care Workers Vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol to date is 366 101.

Rise in COVID-19 Infections and Prevention of a Third Wave

In the past two weeks, we have noticed a worrying trend of increasing numbers of detected cases in a number of districts. Free State, Gauteng, Northern Cape and North West are of particular concern but every province, with the notable exception of Eastern Cape, has at least one district of concern. The districts that have been flagged by NICD as “under observation,” due to an appreciable rise in the 14 day average percent change, are listed below. Although some of these districts may have relatively low case incidences, the significant rise in percentage changes should be taken as a serious warning. All districts listed below have had an average rise of 20% or more in the past 14 days:

Province

District

Free State

Mangaung Metro

Free State

Fezile Dabi

Free State

Xhariep

Free State

Lejweleputswa

Gauteng

City Of Johannesburg Metro

Gauteng

Sedibeng

Gauteng

Ekurhuleni Metro

Gauteng

City Of Tshwane Metro

KwaZulu-Natal

Ethekwini Metro

Limpopo

Capricorn

Limpopo

Mopani

Mpumalanga

Nkangala

Mpumalanga

Gert Sibande

North West

Dr Ruth Segomotsi MompaK

North West

Dr Kenneth Kaunda

North West

Bojanala PlaKnum

Northern Cape

Pixley Ka Seme

Northern Cape

Zf Mgcawu

Northern Cape

Frances Baard

Western Cape

Cape Winelands

Western Cape

Overberg

We must commend the Eastern Cape, where every district has recorded a zero percent average change. This does not mean they are not getting new infections but it does mean they have maintained a plateau, which is very encouraging. The Eastern cape suffered a devastating second wave and was the first province to adopt a differentiated approach where certain metros and districts im- plemented tighter regulations than others, where it became necessary. The Eastern Cape has made great sacrifices to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19 and we must acknowledge this result and encourage the province to keep this up.

This reinforces the message that we can all play our part to ensure that these rise in infections do not turn into a third wave. We all know what it takes to keep the Coronavirus at bay- strict wearing of masks, sanitizing and avoiding crowded gatherings. The government can facilitate and intervene but ultimately we would rather concentrate on economic recovery rather than imposing more restrictions. Therefore every citizen must adhere to the non-pharmaceutical interventions if we are to avoid further restrictions.

This also goes for the way we approach the threat of variants of concern (VOC’s), like the B.1.617 variant circulating in India. Scientists around the world do not blame the devastating wave of COVID-19 on the variant alone but always observe that the lack of non-pharmaceutical interventions played a major role in the spread of the variant in that country.

Even though the B.1.351 (prevalent in our country) has more mutations than the B.1.617 (prevalent in India), we were still able to control the spread of B.1.351 in South Africa and bring the wave down to a plateau. Therefore we have no need to panic about the B.1.617 because, as with any variant of the Coronavirus, the treatment is the same and the way we prevent spread is the same.

Our scientists are working hard to examine the samples taken from patients that traveled from India. One of the sequences of a traveller has been completed and it turned out to be the B.1.351 variant- the one that is circulating here in South Africa. This tells us that one cannot assume that a traveller carries any particular variant and this is why we insist on being guided by the science.

Having said that, we do share the concerns of our citizens that we could import a variant of concern that can drive another wave. For this reason, the NCCC is deliberating on the issue of border control and final determinations will find expression in Cabinet and be communicated to the public accordingly.

Issued by Department of Health, 8 May 2021