New Covid-19 cases in South Africa more than double in 24 hours
The number of new Covid-19 cases in South Africa more than doubled on Thursday, the same day authorities and health experts confirmed the existence of a new variant known as the B. 1. 1. 529.
Statistics released by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) on Thursday evening show an increase of 2 465 new Covid-19 cases.
This is a representation of a 6.5% positivity rate. Gauteng, accounts for 79% of the new cases translating into 1 950 new cases.
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Hospital admissions have also shown a drastic increase of 98 people admitted to both private and public health facilities.
Furthermore, there were 114 new Covid-19 related deaths on Thursday, bringing the country’s death toll to 89 771.
Meanwhile, Breakfast with Martin Bester has spoken with Dr Richard Lessells, an Infectious Diseases Specialist, about the new variant and what South Africans can expect. Listen to Friday morning's interview below.