COVID-19: SA deaths breach 25 000, 9 501 new cases

South Africa has once again reached a sordid milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of people who have died surpassing the 25 000 mark.

After an additional 339 fatalities were recorded – one of the highest single-day figures in a matter of months – the death toll is at 25 246 as of Tuesday, 22 December 2020.

Of the newly recorded fatalities, 142 were in the Western Cape, 107 in the Eastern Cape, 45 in KwaZulu-Natal, 30 in Gauteng, eight in the Free State and seven in Limpopo.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased patients,” the health ministry said in a statement.

COVID-19 DEATHS BY PROVINCE

Eastern Cape – 6359

Free State – 2139

Gauteng – 5226

KwaZulu-Natal – 3703

Limpopo – 533

Mpumalanga – 624

North West – 571

Northern Cape – 372

Western Cape – 5719

The country has also picked up 9,441 new infections in the past 24 hours, which puts the national tally to 940 212 confirmed cases since COVID-19 was first detected here on home soil back in March.

COVID-19 CASES BY PROVINCE

Province                                           Total cases for 22 December 2020

Eastern Cape                                     161 186

Free State                                          60 805

Gauteng                                             259 962

KwaZulu-Natal                                  162 680

Limpopo                                             20 519

Mpumalanga                                     33 493

North West                                        37 090

Northern Cape                                  24 300

Western Cape                                   180 177