By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize said in a statement the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 625 003.
This is an increase of 3641 new cases identified in the last 24 hours.
Mkhize said a further 61 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 7, Free State 2, Gauteng 17, Kwa-Zulu Natal 4, Limpopo 19, Mpumalanga 0, North West 0, Northern Cape 12 and Western Cape 0 which brings the total to 55 568 deaths.
The minister added that the the number of tests conducted to date is 11 246 917. Of these 39 612 tests were conducted since the last report and the cumulative recoveries now stand at 1 531 993 representing a recovery rate of 94,2%.
Vaccination Rollout:
The total vaccinated under the Sisonke Programme is 480 665. These vaccinations were with the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine and are therefore completed vaccinations.
The total vaccinated in Phase Two as at 17.10 today is 116 741. These vaccinations were with the first dose of Pfizer vaccine.
Today 177 sites were operational: 155 public sector sites and 22 private sector sites.
Meanwhile Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has reiterated that the arrival of vaccines should not suggest the relaxation of COVID-19 health protocols, which include wearing of masks, sanitisation and physical distancing.
Nzimande made the call during his visit to Edendale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, where he received his COVID-19 vaccination on Wednesday.
Nzimande, like all South Africans, registered through the registration portal for COVID-19 vaccination for the over 60 years age group. This is part of South Africa’s Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
Edendale Hospital is amongst the leading hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal to administer COVID-19 vaccination.
It is also the fourth biggest hospital in the country, and is designated as a regional hospital that offers district tertiary services, with a total of 900 beds.
In his previous visit to the hospital, the Minister said he was satisfied with the level of preparedness by the hospital to roll out COVID-19 vaccinations.
“Amongst many initiatives that impressed me is Edendale Hospital’s proactive and innovative measures introduced by establishing a clinic that is used to screen all patients and visitors to the hospital at the point of entry,” Nzimande said.