Covid-19 weekly stats: Over 400 related deaths reported this week

The number of new Covid-19 related deaths was slightly higher than the last week at 430 compared to the 287 reported last week, according to figures published by the department of health.

On Thursday, the department confirmed about 2 514 new Covid-19 cases bringing the overall total to 759 658 to date.

This means there have been about 8 634 new cases recorded this week, a jump higher than previous weeks.

According to data released by the department, 702 544 recoveries have been recorded to date.

In total, 5 214 036 Covid-19 tests have been conducted.

While the department has noted an increase in new cases, the Gauteng province has remained the country’s hotspot standing at 232 388 cases.

The following confirmed Covid-19 cases have been detected in each province, according to the data released on Thursday:

– Western Cape: 123 573 cases
– Gauteng: 232 388 cases
– KwaZulu-Natal: 125 438 cases
– Eastern Cape: 113 139 cases
– Limpopo: 18 303 cases
– Mpumalanga: 30 885 cases
– North West: 34 482 cases
– Northern Cape: 22 835 cases
– Free State: 58 615 cases

Speaking at a media conference on Sunday, health minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize said while other countries such as Spain and France were facing a resurgence in infections, some parts of South Africa were seeing cluster outbreaks, but these were not suggesting a resurgence of infections.

“The cluster outbreaks in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape do not necessarily mean the country will go into an infection resurgence immediately. If we manage the cluster outbreaks well, we will not see a rise in infections in other parts of the country,” Mkhize said.

Mkhize said the health department has drafted a resurgence plan in case of the second Covid-19 wave.

He hinted the department also developed a social behaviour campaign taking realities of the festive season into account.

“Focus will be on making common activities safe, particularly highlighting the importance of strict quarantine and isolation.”