Stubborn Covid-19 continues to grip the majority of SA’s provinces

The NICD released a statement on Wednesday evening in which Acting Executive Director, Prof Adrian Puren says while sustained decreases in case numbers in Gauteng, Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga provinces have been observed, the rest of the country is experiencing further pressure.

“Nationally we are seeing a decrease in the number of new daily cases and per cent testing positive, however, there are some differences in trends at a provincial level.

The Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces still appear to be on the upward slope of the third wave, although the Western Cape is showing early signs of reaching the peak of their third wave. Whereas the Free State and Northern Cape provinces continue to see a steady number of new cases,” says Puren.

South Africa has recorded 14 728 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours leading to Wednesday evening.

This represents a positivity rate of 22.1%.

The Western Cape account for the highest cases with 3 931 new infections picked up in the last 24 hours.

KwaZulu-Natal follows with 3 750 new daily cases.

When it comes to coronavirus fatalities, a further 384 related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 78 377.

There has been an increase of 575 hospital admissions in the past 24 hours.

A total of 13 929 people are currently admitted in both private and public facilities across the country.

Meanwhile, Head of the Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response at the NICD, Dr Michelle Groome, stresses that vaccination is key as the country looks towards the end of the third wave.

“While many may feel that the third wave is abating based on the national picture, adherence to the current adjusted level 3 restrictions and preventative measures remain essential.

Vaccine supply and the number of vaccination sites have increased and it is up to the public to ensure that they present for vaccination,”says Groome.

Another 194 882 vaccines were administered on Wednesday, bringing the total number of vaccines administered to 9 962 111.

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