At least 9000 Covid-19 deaths expected in EC, MPs told

The figure was contained in a presentation delivered at a joint sitting of the Portfolio Committee on Health and the Select Committee on Health and Social Services.

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“At this point in time there are an anticipated 9000 deaths in the province. Unavoidable deaths and these are deaths that will occur despite intervention,” said Dr Nicholas Crisp, a public health consultant with the Department of Health.

It’s estimated that the country will reach its Covid-19 peak in August and September. 

But despite the province also nearing its peak, at least three districts in the Eastern Cape are without critical care bed capacity.

“Important to note that the more remote districts indeed do not at this time not have critical care bed capacity or registered ICU capacity or high care capacity and routinely refer patients to the metros,” explained Crisp.