SA surpasses 800 000 Covid-19 cases
The number of Covid-19 infections in the country has surpassed the 800 000 mark following another spike in cases.
The Department of Health reported 4 400 new cases in the 24 hours leading up to Thursday.
This is the largest spike in daily cases since August.
The second largest spike in daily cases was recorded in the past 48 hours.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said Gauteng still leads the pack with the highest infections.
“Regrettably, 94 more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 42, Free State 11, Gauteng 8, Kwa-Zulu Natal 5 and Western Cape 28. This brings the total deaths to 21 803,” said Mkhize in his daily report.
The country’s first case was reported in March.
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Additional restrictions will be implemented, taking effect at midnight. The new measures were announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who held a family meeting on Thursday where he raised concerns about the resurgence of cases, particularly in the Eastern Cape and parts of the Western Cape.
In his address to the nation on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa pleaded with citizens to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols as the country ramps up its fight against a resurgence in cases.
Ramaphosa warned that the country could see tighter restrictions if government cannot get infections under control.
“But by far the greatest contributing cause of infections is that many people are not wearing masks and are not observing proper hygiene and social distancing. As I said during our last family meeting, at alert level 1, we have the measures we need to control the virus,” Ramaphosa said.
“But our main problem is that there are parts of the country where people are not complying with the current restrictions and the basic prevention measures are not being followed.”
He called on South Africans to avoid large gatherings and avoid unnecessary travel during the festive season.
Cabinet has also resolved to extend the National State of Disaster by another month.
It will now be effective until at least January 15.
