The Health Department has announced that the number of COVID-19 infections in South Africa has risen to 1585.
This is an increase of 80 cases from Friday’s announcement of 1505.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize also confirmed that the number of deaths from COVID-19 has increased to nine with 1 from Gauteng, 6 from KwaZulu-Natal, 1 from the Free State and 1 from the Western Cape.
Gauteng has the most infections with 693, followed by the Western Cape at 433, KwaZulu-Natal 232, Free State 85, North West 11, Mpumalanga 18, Limpopo 18, Eastern Cape 25, Northern Cape 7 and unallocated infections 63.
The total number of COVID-19 tests conducted to date is 53 937.
Mkhize conveyed his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
“We also thank the doctors, health workers and all staff members of this hospital for their commitment to serve even during these difficult times.”
Mkhize also says they received a report from KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu that KwaZulu-Natal had 11 confirmed COVID-19 cases linked to St Augustine’s Hospital, in Durban.
“Furthermore, 3 of the deceased patients from KZN had been admitted at the hospital. The COVID-19 positive cases include patients, health workers and other staff members. The KZN Department of Health and Netcare management agreed that the sections of the hospital affected be closed and no new patient admissions be permitted.”
Mkhize says the areas that were exposed to positive patients are also being disinfected while more than 150 tests have been conducted within the hospital and contact tracing is underway.
Faizel Patel
0 Comments