Close to 2000 new Covid-19 infections, death toll up to 611
South Africa has recorded close to 2 000 new infections, bringing the total up to 29 240.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced the latest stats on Friday night during the department’s media briefing on health interventions ahead of the country’s move to level 3 of the lockdown.
“The latest numbers cumulative cases are at 29 240 with a new 1 837 cases in the last 24 hours. The recoveries to date are 14 370 which translates to a recovery rate of 52,4%,” he said.
“The national case fatality rate is at 611.”
Thirty-eight people died in the 24 hours leading up to the release of the statistics.
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Mining to ramp up production under level 3
Under level four, mining production was only limited to 50% of the workforce, with the exception of open cast mining which continued at full production. The reopening of the mining sector has raised concerns over the rate of infection that is expected to hit come Monday.
The Western Cape remains the biggest cause for concern with the bulk of confirmed cases and fatalities.
The figures also show that two children, aged 0-9 years, have died since the start of the outbreak.
At the same time Mkhize pleaded with South Africans to adopt behavioural change as the country migrates to level 3.
He admitted that the country should brace for a spike in infections due to increased economic activity.
“What is important is that we are now advocating for behavioural change. To defeat Covid-19 is a social issue,” Mkhize said.
“It’s not just what the doctors and nurses will do, it’s also what the individuals will do.”