Covid-19: Delta variant detected in Ugu District

Available data indicates that the Delta variant of Covid-19 has been detected in six districts, including Ugu in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

The other districts are Harry Gwala, eThekwini, Zululand, King Cetshwayo and Ilembe.

“We have developed our battle plan against this deadly variant.  It all starts with acting and acting fast and obeying all the Covid-19 protocols and alert level 4 regulations,” said KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala at a media briefing earlier today.

In the past 24-hour reporting cycle, KZN registered 483 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of reported cases to 352 401. 

The average number of cases recorded in the past seven days was 753 cases per day.

The province observed a 37% increase of cases in the past two weeks, which amounts to 2 145 cases. The actual number of new cases recorded was 3 159 for week 25; and 5 034 for week 26, which began yesterday, respectively. 

The increase in the number of new cases occurred in 10 of the 11 districts (including Ugu) across the province, with the exception of Harry Gwala District.

The province currently has 10 532 active cases, and has registered 10 689 deaths due to the virus. 

The number of recoveries currently stands at 330 316 people.

“The province has also reassessed its bed capacity to accommodate patients.  Currently there are  2494 isolation beds, as well as 1411 quarantine beds that are dedicated to Covid-19. These beds will be repurposed if and when the need arises,” said Premier Zikalala.

All in all, four field hospitals have more than 682 beds. The premier stated that the provincial government will not hesitate to repurpose more beds if the need arises. 

As of Monday this week, the province had 878 patients admitted in both public and private healthcare facilities. Of those admitted, 143 patients (16%) are in ICU, while 168 are on oxygen. 

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