COVID-19: SA records over a million cumulative cases

In what is probably the grimmest milestone for South Africa in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cases has surpassed the one million mark.

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said the country has recorded 9 502 infections of COVID-19 on Sunday, 27 December 2020, which brings the total caseload to 1 004 413.

“Regrettably, today we report 214 Covid-19 related deaths: Eastern Cape 123, Gauteng 17, KwaZulu-Natal 13, Northern Cape five and Western Cape 56. This brings the total to 26,735 deaths,” Mkhize said in a statement.

Are more COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on the cards?

The latest development will undoubtedly heighten concerns of more lockdown restrictions being on the cards, particularly as the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) recently convened another high-level meeting.

Cabinet has confirmed that the discussions took place but has stayed mum on when President Cyril Ramaphosa, who presided over the NCCC meeting, will address the nation.

“Once the NCCC concludes its meetings it consults with provinces before a report is sent to the president who in turn will engage the country on pertinent matters,” said GCIS spokesperson Phumla Williams.

Despite the aforementioned, there is a silver lining as people have managed to recover from the respiratory illness.

“A cumulative 6,445,318 tests have been conducted with 29,494 tests completed since the last report,” the minister said.

“Our recoveries currently stand at 844,874. This represents a recovery rate of 84,1%.”

The first case of COVID-19 was recorded back in March, later culminating in Ramaphosa implementing a hard lockdown.

COVID-19 DEATHS BY PROVINCE

Eastern Cape – 6925

Free State – 2152

Gauteng – 5334

KwaZulu-Natal – 3791

Limpopo – 543

Mpumalanga – 638

North West – 577

Northern Cape – 377

Western Cape – 6218

COVID-19 CASES BY PROVINCE

Province                                           Total cases for 27 December 2020

Eastern Cape                                    166 849

Free State                                          61 771

Gauteng                                             274 272

KwaZulu-Natal                                  183 653

Limpopo                                             22 705

Mpumalanga                                     34 920

North West                                        38 540

Northern Cape                                  24 870

Western Cape                                   196 833