Faizel Patel – 16/12/2020
The Health Ministry says that another 10,008 COVID-19 infections have been picked up in South Africa pushing the number of known cases since the start of the outbreak to 883,687.
One hundred and sixty-six more people have died in South Africa after contracting the coronavirus.
These latest fatalities bring the national death toll to 23,827.
The recovery rate is at 87,7%, meaning that so far, more than 774,585 people have recuperated.
The Western Cape has the highest number of active cases with 28,594, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 21,563, Eastern Cape with 14,563 and Gauteng with 11,369.
Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize says the  daily cases are growing exponentially and the positivity rate sitting at 21% far exceeds the ideal rate of 10%.
“Today alone we’ve seen a significant increase in the daily numbers, with the Western Cape continuing to lead and now breaching the 3,000 mark for the first time this week. 7 other provinces reported in creases today whilst Eastern Cape reported a decrease in their new cases today.”
Mkhize says the health department is continuing to assess the entire country and where risks are identified, it will engage and make a de-
termination if further containment measures or restrictions are required.
Mkhize adds that the department has also taken note the various legal challenges that have been brought against government regarding the recent regulations.
“As Health, we stand by the recommendations made to the NCCC which are well substantiated by evidence. We have every intention to oppose these applications as the Department and Government’s mandate to protect the lives and health of our people remains paramount.”
Mkhize has pleaded with South Africans  to be responsible and protect themselves by wearing the mask, maintaining social distancing, hygiene and sanitising.
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