Covid-19: Breakthrough in coronavirus trial as South Africa’s numbers keep rising
The therapeutic merits of a low dose Dexamethasone which are promising and easily implementable in the country.
Health Minister Dr Zwelini Mkhize has announced a breakthrough in one of the therapeutic trials for the management of Covid-19.
He said the RECOVERY (Randomised Evaluation of COVis-19 thERapY) trial has published results on the therapeutic merits of a low dose Dexamethasone which are promising and easily implementable in the country.
“Dexamethasone is a well-known and widely used steroid which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in allergic reactions, asthma and other conditions where the inflammatory compound of the disease needs to the controlled for better outcomes,” the minister said.
On June 16, South Africa recorded 57 new coronavirus fatalities to push the death toll to 1 625.
Also read: Africa records over 200 000 Covid-19 cases – SA most affected
Covid-19 mortality rate in South Africa remains at 2.1 per cent while the recovery rate stands at 55.1 per cent.
The total number of Covid-19 recoveries in South Africa to date stands at 42 063.
A total of 2 801 new cases were recorded on June 16.
The Western Cape as the virus epicentre for South Africa stands at 45 357 cases with 30 236 recoveries.
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The province now accounts for 59.4 per cent of the national case total.
The total number of recorded cases in Gauteng now stands at 13 023 with 3 442 recoveries.
The Eastern Cape has recorded a total of 11 039 coronavirus cases as well as 5 475 recoveries.
The total number of cases in Kwa-Zulu Natal stands at 4 048 and recoveries for the province stands at 2 133.
The total number of tests conducted stands at 1 172 513.
The breakdown of the remainder of provinces is as follows:
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