South Africa’s first COVID-19 deaths confirmed in the Western Cape

We always hoped we wouldn’t reach this moment but Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, early on Friday 27 March, announced the first two deaths in the country as a result of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Both deaths took place in the Western Cape. 

First two COVID-19 deaths in South Africa

It is with deep sadness that we announce two loss of lives to #coronavirus . We will update with more details pic.twitter.com/WXUORwjjHL

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) March 27, 2020

Mkhize’s news made for a terrible start to the nationwide lockdown — something that couldn’t be helped.

“This morning we wake South Africans up with sad news that we now have our first deaths resulting from COVID-19,” said Mkhize in a statement. 

“These two deaths occurred in the Western Cape. One at a private hospital and the other at a private hospital,” he added. 

Mkhize said he would provide more details later on when the latest confirmed cases are announced. 

Latest coronavirus cases as of Friday 27 March 

In the same statement, Mkhize also mentioned that the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases “tipped” the 1 000 mark. 

Just one day ago on Thursday 26 March, the total number stood at 927, which means there has been an increase of 73 in just a few hours. 

This comes on the very first day of lockdown in South Africa. The lockdown is set to end 21 days from now on 16 April. 

All South Africans are expected to remain indoors unless they need food or medication. 

This is a developing story – updates to follow