The NICD reported that there were 2 967 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours reporting cycle, bringing the total confirmed cases to 2 889 298.

The increase represents a 7.0% positivity rate.

The Institute’s Dr Michelle Groome says in a statement released on Wednesday evening that all nine provinces in the country have maintained a sustained decrease.

“The national 7-day moving average of daily case numbers, positivity rate and testing rate continue to decrease, with sustained decreases seen in all provinces.

 “Gauteng, Limpopo and North West Provinces have exited the third wave according to the current wave definitions. There are also sustained decreases in COVID-19 hospitalisations and deaths in all provinces. These trends are encouraging but we should not let our guard down yet,” says Groome.

KwaZulu-Natal recorded 696 new cases on Wednesday.

“The majority of new cases today are from KwaZulu-Natal (23%), followed by Western Cape (20%). Eastern Cape accounted for 12%; Free State & Gauteng Province each accounted for 11% respectively; Northern Cape accounted for 8%; North West accounted for 7%; Mpumalanga accounted for 6%, and Limpopo accounted for 2% of today’s new cases." 

An additional 124 Covid-19 related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 86 500.

There has been an increase of 142 hospital admissions in the past 24 hours – with 7 844 people currently admitted in both private and public facilities.

On the vaccine front, South Africa has administered 187 003 vaccines in the last 24 hours.

Groome warns that the department of health’s vaccination drive needs to be stepped up.

“Some 30% of the adult population have received at least one vaccine dose and in the coming months we need to prioritise the vaccine rollout, especially to those at risk for severe COVID-19 disease and those with underlying comorbidities. 

"Mask wearing, social distancing and hand hygiene remain the main preventative strategies until our vaccine coverage rates increase,” adds Groome.

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