The department has so far conducted 6 160 638 screenings and 112 704 tests in the province. A total of 18 659 people have tested positive with 14 257 recoveries and 4 263 active cases.
Sadly, Mpumalanga has seen an increase in the number of deaths, rising from 78 to 139.
eMalahleni Local Municipality has the highest infection rate with 3 973 positive cases and 23 deaths. The City of Mbombela has the second highest with 2 548 confirmed positive cases and 10 deaths, followed by Govan Mbeki Local Municipality based in Secunda with 2 399 positive cases and 22 deaths.
Nkomazi Local Municipality, which at one stage was the epicentre, currently has 1 154 positive cases, 642 recoveries and four deaths.
Municipalities such as Thaba Chweu in Lydenburg, Mashishing and Dipaleseng in Balfour have not yet recorded any Covid-19-related deaths.
Thaba Chweu Local Municipality is sited with 243 positive cases and 157 recoveries, while Dipaleseng Local Municipality has recorded 270 positive cases and 231 recoveries.
“These numbers actually tell a story and they should serve as a wake-up call to our communities that the virus is among us and if we continue disregarding the safety and health regulations, we stand a better chance of contracting and further spreading the virus,” warned MEC, Sasekani Manzini.
“We are not done with screening and testing. I would like to plead with our communities to allow our healthcare workers to do their work without being intimidated. Let us welcome them with open arms when they come to visit us at our homes, workplaces and even at malls or shopping centres.
“Just keep in mind that they are there for all of us. They are there to ensure that we are all safe from this virus. Remember, our chances of survival depend on their work and we stand a better chance to recover from it if it’s detected early,” continued Manzini.
She made an appeal to everyone, especially young people, to be active ambassadors in the fight against Covid-19 by advocating for behavioural change and resisting the temptation of gathering in large groups.
“Social distancing, not wearing of face masks and gatherings in large numbers, especially in townships, are still a problem. So please, let us try and comply with these regulations for our own safety,” said Manzini.
