Covid-19 weekly update: Cases continue to rise with the number of new infections at 8 166
Along with the rising number of infections, this week has seen South Africa enter into the second wave and matric rage gatherings classified as super-spreader events.
The country was dealt a number of severe blows this week in its ongoing fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving many South Africans feeling dejected and unsure of what the immediate future holds.
As the number of new cases continues to rise, the Department of Health announced on Wednesday, 9 December, that the country has officially entered into the second wave.
The Department of Health has reiterated its plea to South Africans to heed the threat of the rising numbers of Covid-19 cases identified. It has said that there is clear evidence of an exponential rise in transmission which is a cause for serious concern.
As of yesterday, 10 December, a total of 836 764 cases have been reported with 8 166 new cases. The number of new Covid-19 related deaths reported is 173:
- 90 in the Eastern Cape
- 13 in the Free State
- 8 in Gauteng
- 10 in Kwa-Zulu Natal
- 52 in the Western Cape
This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in the country to 22 747.
A cumulative number 5 735 470 tests have been completed, of which 45 207 have been conducted since the last report.
Recoveries now stand at 756 671.
#COVID19 Statistics in SA as at 10 December.
Use the COVID Alert SA app to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. Start using this privacy preserving app today. Add your phone to the fight! Download the Covid Alert SA app now! https://t.co/8YKEqaiiRF pic.twitter.com/pdQr03dJMk
— Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) December 10, 2020
The annual matic rage gatherings have been identified as super-spreader events this week as a large number of new Covid-19 cases have arisen from these gatherings. All attendees have been regarded as contacts and were urged to enter into a 10-day isolation period and get tested.
Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde has welcomed the cancellation of the Plett Rage festival, given the number of cases on the Garden Route, further stating, “It is clear that people are unable or unwilling to act responsibly since we have seen that other matric rage events now constitute super-spreader events.”
The Presidency has at this stage, not announced a state of the nation address.
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