Covid-19: Death rate continues to rise as active cases breach 200 000 mark

South Africa continues to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the most recent statistics available, South Africa now has a cumulative total of 1 170 590 cases of Covid-19, with 200 565 of those being active. South Africa has seen in excess of 20 000 new cases per day for the past few days, with little anticipation of the infection rate slowing.

A total of 6 967 478 tests have been conducted, with 69 271 new tests done in the past 24 hours. 

A further 441 deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 31 809.

The recovery rate is sitting at 80.1 percent, with a total of 938 216.

This week, the Department of Health clarified governments plans regarding the introduction of Covid-19 vaccines in South Africa. While the vaccine programme will not be compulsory for citizens, government aims to vaccinate 67 percent of the nation, in a bid to reach ‘herd immunity’.

South Africa has managed to secure a total of 1 000 000 doses of the vaccine, which will be available within this month, and another 500 000, which will be delivered in February. The country’s 1.25 million healthcare workers, from both public and private healthcare facilities will be prioritised for the first allocation of vaccines.

Government has also urged residents to stay home and maintain good hand hygiene in a bid to slow the infection rate and flatten the curve. This is important as it allows the health care systems in the country the best opportunity to provide adequate care for the ill. 

The following guidelines have been issued for those needing to self-isolate: