Promising signs of decline in Covid-19 transmissions – Mkhize

The downward trend in daily SARS-CoV-2 infections in South Africa has continued, with 9 010 new confirmed infections recorded in the past 24 hours.

As of 18 January, the country had recorded a total of 1,346,936 infections of SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19.

Earlier on Monday, while addressing a scientific discussion on the new SARS-CoV-2 variant, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize noted that there have been promising signs of a decline in transmissions.

“Yesterday [Sunday], we noted a 23% decrease in new cases nationally compared to seven days prior,” Mkhize said.

“This could be attributable to many factors, including enhanced physical distancing facilitated by lockdown regulations.

“We must thank South Africans for adhering to the regulations, difficult and frustrating as it may be. Every sacrifice made has saved lives and we appreciate the patriotism South Africans are displaying to protect the sanctity of life.”

ALSO READ: Daily Covid-19 update: 9,010 new cases takes to total 1,346,936

Total cases by province

Gauteng: 364,269

KwaZulu-Natal: 283,176

Western Cape: 258,124

Eastern Cape: 187,171

Free State: 70,891

Mpumalanga: 53,843

North West: 51,547

Limpopo: 48,158

Northern Cape: 29,757

However, Mkhize added that the healthcare system continues to experience significant strain with hospitalisations continuing to trend upwards.

According to the minister, there was an 18.3% increase in hospital admissions on 16 January compared to the seven days prior.

“As at 16 January, nearly 18,000 (17,878) patients were admitted, with 2,472 in ICU, 1,117 on ventilators and 5,850 requiring oxygen.

“This is a significant additional burden to the system, and we must salute our healthcare workers for their stamina and courage as they continue to battle it out in the forefront,” he said.

ALSO READ: Nearly 17k patients in hospital as SA tops 37k deaths

As of 18 January, the Covid-19-related death toll in the country had risen to 3,449 following 344 newly reported deaths.

Of the new confirmed deaths, KwaZulu-Natal recorded 91, the Western Cape 88, the Eastern Cape 66, Gauteng 63, the Northern Cape 13, Mpumalanga 12, and the Free State 11.

Total deaths by province

Eastern Cape: 9,510

Western Cape: 9,220

Gauteng: 7,009

KwaZulu-Natal: 6,409

Free State: 2,473

Mpumalanga: 797

North West: 783

Limpopo: 739

Northern Cape: 509

As of 18 January, the country had recorded a total of 1,117,452 recoveries, which translates to a recovery rate of 83%.

By Monday evening, there were 192 035 confirmed active cases throughout the country.

Active cases by province

KwaZulu-Natal: 60,969

Gauteng: 41,278

Western Cape: 39,855

North West: 13,471

Free State: 10,353

Mpumalanga: 7,820

Limpopo: 7,658

Eastern Cape: 5,038

Northern Cape: 4,593

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.