Covid-19 claims four more lives in South Africa
Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize warned we need to flatten the curve and be ready for flu season.
Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize announced that as of 3 April there are now 1 505 positive cases of Covid-19 and four more deaths.
This is an increase of 43 new cases from 2 April.
Mkhize said two of the victims were from KwaZulu-Natal. One was an 80-year-old male and another an 81-year-old female.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases confirmed two deaths earlier today (3 April), and two more just after 8pm. That brings the total number of deaths in South Africa to nine.
NEW UPDATE: There are 1505 confirmed cases of #COVID19, an increase of 43 new cases. We're deeply saddened that 2 more deaths have been newly verified bringing the total to 9. #StaySafe #StayAtHomeSA pic.twitter.com/XIUbMmpweV
— NICD (@nicd_sa) April 3, 2020
Speaking at Khayelitsha Hospital on 3 April, he said he would like to convey the government’s condolences to the families and friends of these individuals. “We would also like to thank the health workers who are working tirelessly every day.”
Western Cape Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo briefed the minister on the number of cases. “They have shown me the geo-mapping. The importance of this tracking is beyond one patient, it is the contacts by association which allows you to look into the social dynamics of the infected person. This is significant in the spread,” Mkhize said.
He said they have been discussing the roll-out of the testing. “We have identified areas of priority. We are ready to give additional support and re-enforcement to the areas that need assistance.”
Earlier the minister said he had a very interesting and informative discussion with experts from the World Health Organisation and Shanghai. “They took us through the case definition, how they dealt with the testing and manifestation of the virus in patients. They also went into detail on in-patient treatment.”
They indicated that 20 per cent of their patients’ cases become serious and of that five per cent are admitted to ICU. They also indicated the importance of testing and screening at an early stage.
“We had an opportunity to ask fairly pertinent questions, for example, there are differences between us and them (we have a number of citizens with TB and HIV).
“We have approached the president to request reinforcement from a number of countries such as Cuba and China.”
He said they have seen the enthusiasm and preparedness by their colleagues. “We are on a good course. The key, however, is how we make sure the lockdown works. We need to flatten the curve and ensure that when flu season starts, we need to be ready before that time comes,” Mkhize warned.
