Staff Reporter.
Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize confirmed that South Africa’s identified 8,147 new cases of Covid-19 on Sunday, with 300 more deaths being recorded.
Mkhize said 300 more COVID-19 related deaths: Eastern Cape 43 , Free State 15, Gauteng 45, Kwa-Zulu Natal 70, Mpumalanga 6, North West 14, Northern Cape 2 and 105 Western Cape.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 1,412,986. The total number of deaths stands at 40,874.
The cumulative total of tests conducted to date is 7 993 126 with 46 119 new tests conducted since the last report.
Mkhize added that the recoveries now stand at 1 230 520, representing a recovery rate of 87%.
Meanwhile the price of ginger has left a bad taste in consumers’ mouths after demand caused prices to rocket, with experts comparing the trend to the beetroot and garlic craze of the HIV crisis.
A popular ingredient in home remedies to soothe sore throats and the common cold, the root has seen an explosion in popularity due to the Covid-19 and its supposed ability to mitigate symptoms.
Dr Chantell Witten, registered dietitian at the University of the Free State and nutrition lead for the South African Civil Society for Women’s, Adolescents’ and Children’s Health (SACSoWACH), said there was a current trend to consume large amounts of ginger, beyond its traditional use as a spice.
“In line with South Africa’s healthy eating guidelines, we support the increased intake for plant-based foods,” Witten said.
“But we are concerned with the increased demand for ginger which by popular belief has been positioned as a home remedy for Covid. This is pushing up prices, despite no evidence to support these claims.”
Witten likened the trend to the HIV crisis in the 1990s and 2000s, during which time garlic and beetroot were promoted as remedies by government officials, prior to the rollout of antiretroviral drugs.
“Given that the Covid-19 vaccine rollout is following a targeted and phased approach, the majority not included in those first phases are going to continue to use the home remedies that call for ginger, garlic and lemons. In the same breath, higher prices will keep consumption at bay. With a well-designed communication strategy for the vaccine rollout, people will not use home remedies in place of the vaccines.”
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.