12 million South Africans could have contracted Covid-19

12 million South Africans could have contracted Covid-19

Revised models from the Department of Health estimates that at least 12 million South Africans could have been infected with Covid-19. 

Traffic Officers Test for Covid-19
Neo Motloung

The estimated infections, which include those which were detected and undetected, would be about 20% of the population

 

The department said on Monday evening that the official cumulative number currently stands at 650 749.

 

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says initial seroprevalence studies from convenience samples have shown a seroprevalence of between 29% - 40%.

 

Seroprevalence is the level of a pathogen in a population, as measured in blood serum.


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“We are currently embarking on a national seroprevalence study which should take us closer to the actual seroprevalence of coronavirus antibodies and will give us a more accurate indication of our status of national immunity."

 

Mkhize says while South Africa seems to be moving further from its peak, any threat of a resurgence remains and could be more devastating than the first wave. 

 

“If we are to maintain this status quo of low transmission rates, we must continue to concentrate on the simple things that keep coronavirus at bay like washing or sanitising hands at every opportunity, maintaining social distancing, regular cleaning and sanitising of surfaces we come into contact with and wearing of masks whenever we are in public spaces.”

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