17 493 new Covid-19 cases recorded in South Africa
In the last
24-hour reporting period, a total of 17,493 new Covid-19 cases have been
identified in South Africa.
This brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 1,861,065.
This increase represents a 24.9% positivity rate.
“The sharp rise in the reported daily Covid-19 cases is cause for concern, especially in the Gauteng Province where daily case numbers are exceeding those seen during the previous two waves,” the National Institute for Communicable Diseases’ (NICD) Dr Michelle Groome warns.
Gauteng has reported 10 806 new cases. Over 900 of these cases were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal.
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Groome says: “Ultimately, it is up to each one of us to play our role to reduce the spread of the virus by limiting our interaction with others, as much as possible, during this time.”
A further 166 Covid-19 related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 59 258 to date.
Professor Adrian Puren, acting executive director of the NICD, stresses that the anecdotes from family and friends are real.
“It is critical to manage our risks and the risk to others, especially the elderly by limiting contact with others and avoiding gatherings with those who are not part of our safe bubble.”
