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South Africa: Covid-19 cases - 646,398 cases; 15,378 deaths
- Thread starter Treyfish
- Start date
sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 31: 27 July - 2 August 2020
Data as reported by: 17:00; 2 August 2020
...
Coronavirus disease 2019 South Africa
511 485 Cases
8 366 Deaths
1.5% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
South Africa continues to record the highest number of COVID-19 cases
and deaths on the continent, now passing the 500 000 mark. Since
our last report (Weekly Bulletin 30), the number of recorded cases has
increased by 66 051, while deaths have increased by 1 597 in the same
period. As of 2 August 2020, the country has reported a total of 511 485
cases and 8 366 deaths (case fatality ratio 1.5%).
There continues to be a heterogeneous distribution of case numbers
and deaths across the nine provinces in the country, with community
transmission well established in all parts of the country. Gauteng Province
currently has the highest number of cases, at 180 532 (35.3%), followed
by Western Cape Province with 96 838 (18.9%) cases. KwaZulu-Natal
(82 300; 16.1%) and Eastern Cape (79 410; 15.5%) follow, KwaZuluNatal
now overtaking Eastern Cape as the third most affected province in
terms of cases in the country. Case numbers continue to rise rapidly in
the less populous provinces, with 19 961 cases in North West Province
(the heart of the mining industry), 23 099 cases in Free State Province,
15 120 cases in Mpumalanga Province, 9 044 cases in Limpopo Province
and 5 131 cases in the sparsely populated Northern Cape Province.
Western Cape Province has the most deaths (3 117; 37.2%), followed by
Gauteng Province (2 115; 25.3%), Eastern Cape Province (1 769; 21%)
and KwaZulu-Natal Province (875; 19.5%). The remaining provinces
have reported 412 deaths between them. The number of recoveries
stands at 347 227 (68%).
Among the 507 894 cases where age and gender is known, 294 498
cases are female and 213 396 are male. The age groups most affected
are those between 25 to 54 years. The majority of deaths are among
those aged 50-69 years.
As of 2 August 2020, a total of 3 036 779 PCR tests has been carried out,
of which 2 368 212 are passive case finding and 668 567 are community
screen and test. Currently, 61% of all tests have been carried out in the
private health sector, with 39% in the public health sector.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
South Africa remains in lockdown with mandatory cloth masks in
public, a complete ban on tobacco and alcohol sales; the curfew
times have been amended to 22:00 to 04:00 daily. Inter-provincial
travel remains banned except for essential workers and immediate
family for funerals.
Schools are closed from 27 July 2020 for four weeks, except for
final year learners (Grade 12), who return to school on 3 August
2020 and Grade 7 learners who will return on 10 August 2020.
The Western Cape Government has developed a radio campaign
partnering with provincial healthcare workers to share important
messages about COVID-19, targeting regional community radio
stations across the Province.
The Western Cape COVID-19 communication campaign has
used radio, community newspapers, loud-hailing, flyers, posters
and social media in communities across the province to spread
messages about essential public health measures to prevent
COVID-19.
Field hospitals have been built and equipped in Western Cape,
Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces to help to
relieve the burden on existing provincial hospitals.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The situation in South Africa remains of grave concern, although
the numbers appear to be levelling off in Western Cape and Gauteng
provinces. However, variable daily testing numbers make this difficult to
interpret. Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces continue
to see rising case numbers and deaths and hospital services are coming
under increasing strain in these three provinces. The rapid increase in
case numbers in the remaining provinces in the country, particularly
in sparsely populated provinces such as Northern Cape and Limpopo,
suggests that restrictions on inter-provincial travel may not be well
enforced. This could become a serious challenge as these provinces
have fewer hospital beds and intensive care units available than the
more populous provinces. Public health measures such as mandatory
cloth mask wearing in public, physical distancing and hand hygiene
continue to be promoted. However, the continuing rise in case numbers
across all provinces suggests that these measures are not being widely
adopted. Government urgently requires massive and wide-reaching
community engagement and risk communication strategies to ensure
that people who are back at work take notice of these essential public
health measures.
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream...OEW31-270703082020.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 31: 27 July - 2 August 2020
Data as reported by: 17:00; 2 August 2020
...
Coronavirus disease 2019 South Africa
511 485 Cases
8 366 Deaths
1.5% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
South Africa continues to record the highest number of COVID-19 cases
and deaths on the continent, now passing the 500 000 mark. Since
our last report (Weekly Bulletin 30), the number of recorded cases has
increased by 66 051, while deaths have increased by 1 597 in the same
period. As of 2 August 2020, the country has reported a total of 511 485
cases and 8 366 deaths (case fatality ratio 1.5%).
There continues to be a heterogeneous distribution of case numbers
and deaths across the nine provinces in the country, with community
transmission well established in all parts of the country. Gauteng Province
currently has the highest number of cases, at 180 532 (35.3%), followed
by Western Cape Province with 96 838 (18.9%) cases. KwaZulu-Natal
(82 300; 16.1%) and Eastern Cape (79 410; 15.5%) follow, KwaZuluNatal
now overtaking Eastern Cape as the third most affected province in
terms of cases in the country. Case numbers continue to rise rapidly in
the less populous provinces, with 19 961 cases in North West Province
(the heart of the mining industry), 23 099 cases in Free State Province,
15 120 cases in Mpumalanga Province, 9 044 cases in Limpopo Province
and 5 131 cases in the sparsely populated Northern Cape Province.
Western Cape Province has the most deaths (3 117; 37.2%), followed by
Gauteng Province (2 115; 25.3%), Eastern Cape Province (1 769; 21%)
and KwaZulu-Natal Province (875; 19.5%). The remaining provinces
have reported 412 deaths between them. The number of recoveries
stands at 347 227 (68%).
Among the 507 894 cases where age and gender is known, 294 498
cases are female and 213 396 are male. The age groups most affected
are those between 25 to 54 years. The majority of deaths are among
those aged 50-69 years.
As of 2 August 2020, a total of 3 036 779 PCR tests has been carried out,
of which 2 368 212 are passive case finding and 668 567 are community
screen and test. Currently, 61% of all tests have been carried out in the
private health sector, with 39% in the public health sector.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
South Africa remains in lockdown with mandatory cloth masks in
public, a complete ban on tobacco and alcohol sales; the curfew
times have been amended to 22:00 to 04:00 daily. Inter-provincial
travel remains banned except for essential workers and immediate
family for funerals.
Schools are closed from 27 July 2020 for four weeks, except for
final year learners (Grade 12), who return to school on 3 August
2020 and Grade 7 learners who will return on 10 August 2020.
The Western Cape Government has developed a radio campaign
partnering with provincial healthcare workers to share important
messages about COVID-19, targeting regional community radio
stations across the Province.
The Western Cape COVID-19 communication campaign has
used radio, community newspapers, loud-hailing, flyers, posters
and social media in communities across the province to spread
messages about essential public health measures to prevent
COVID-19.
Field hospitals have been built and equipped in Western Cape,
Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces to help to
relieve the burden on existing provincial hospitals.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The situation in South Africa remains of grave concern, although
the numbers appear to be levelling off in Western Cape and Gauteng
provinces. However, variable daily testing numbers make this difficult to
interpret. Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces continue
to see rising case numbers and deaths and hospital services are coming
under increasing strain in these three provinces. The rapid increase in
case numbers in the remaining provinces in the country, particularly
in sparsely populated provinces such as Northern Cape and Limpopo,
suggests that restrictions on inter-provincial travel may not be well
enforced. This could become a serious challenge as these provinces
have fewer hospital beds and intensive care units available than the
more populous provinces. Public health measures such as mandatory
cloth mask wearing in public, physical distancing and hand hygiene
continue to be promoted. However, the continuing rise in case numbers
across all provinces suggests that these measures are not being widely
adopted. Government urgently requires massive and wide-reaching
community engagement and risk communication strategies to ensure
that people who are back at work take notice of these essential public
health measures.
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream...OEW31-270703082020.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
World Health Organization surge team to arrive in South Africa
05 August 2020
Brazzaville/Geneva/ Johannesburg, 5 August 2020 – The South African COVID-19 response will soon be bolstered by a surge team of health experts from the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO will be deploying 43 experts from various fields to support the COVID-19 outbreak response management. The first 17 health expects will arrive today and include key expertise in epidemiology, surveillance, case management, infection, prevention and control, procurement, as well as community mobilization and health education. Among them is Dr David Heymann, a seasoned infectious disease epidemiologist and public health expert, who was at one-time Assistant Director-General for Health Security and Environment at WHO. He headed the response to the SARS epidemic in 2003, working with his team to mediate international efforts to halt the pandemic.
These deployments have emanated from continued discussions between the Minister of Health, Hon Dr Zweli Mkhize, and WHO global and regional leadership. With South Africa now among the top five of the world’s most affected countries, it is critical to strengthen its COVID-19 response.
“At this time when the COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa is spreading rapidly, it is important that we work together to intensify our fight against the virus,” said Dr Owen Kaluwa, WHO Representative for South Africa. “For this reason, WHO is ramping up support to complement national and provincial efforts to scale-up the response. Our collective efforts are necessary to identify cases, isolate and provide care, follow up contacts and fully implement physical distancing and other key public health measures. In this way, we will minimize the spread and impact of COVID19.”
WHO will be primarily responsible for funding the international surge team with South Africa largely being responsible for providing administrative resources for smooth initiation and integration of the partnership.
The surge team will be jointly led by Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa and Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme. They will work virtually from Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo and Geneva, Switzerland respectively to support the experts on the ground.
“Dr Moeti and Dr Ryan have become familiar and trusted figures in the fight against COVID-19,” said Minister of Health Hon Dr Zweli Mkhize. “They have been supporting and complementing our national efforts and we have had very fruitful and honest discussions with them. WHO will greatly bolster our efforts as we have seen how effective their interventions have been in countries like China, Spain, Italy, Mauritius and other countries that have been through what we are facing now. I would also like to pay tribute to the Director General of WHO Dr Tedros Adhanhom Ghebreyesus, who has been steadfast in his leadership during a defining global crisis. We look forward to welcoming the WHO team and integrating them to buttress our COVID-19 response.”
The delegation will be required to complete an initial period of quarantine and testing before being cleared for deployment in the country. They will be initiated into the current national health efforts and informed on how the National Department of Health is supporting provincial COVID-19 programmes. Then they will be deployed in the national department and the following provinces: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Kwazulu Natal and Mpumalanga.
“These provinces have been identified as the ones needing the most urgent support where the first team can make the most impact. As the remaining experts are deployed by WHO, all provinces in the country will benefit from their presence,” said Dr Sandile Buthelezi, the Director General of Health.
The surge team is expected to contribute to national efforts in key response areas including surveillance and streamlining of epidemiological systems and WHO global COVID-19 response guidelines, improved case management, leading to a reduced hospital burden and increased community buy-in resulting in greater compliance to public health measures.
“WHO Regional Office for Africa has made supporting South Africa a key priority,” said Dr Moeti. “I believe our joint efforts with South African health experts will help flatten the curve and save lives. We are in this together. Our solidarity which spans the globe is a model partnership for an effective response. United we will defeat COVID-19.”
https://www.afro.who.int/news/world-...e-south-africa
05 August 2020
Brazzaville/Geneva/ Johannesburg, 5 August 2020 – The South African COVID-19 response will soon be bolstered by a surge team of health experts from the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO will be deploying 43 experts from various fields to support the COVID-19 outbreak response management. The first 17 health expects will arrive today and include key expertise in epidemiology, surveillance, case management, infection, prevention and control, procurement, as well as community mobilization and health education. Among them is Dr David Heymann, a seasoned infectious disease epidemiologist and public health expert, who was at one-time Assistant Director-General for Health Security and Environment at WHO. He headed the response to the SARS epidemic in 2003, working with his team to mediate international efforts to halt the pandemic.
These deployments have emanated from continued discussions between the Minister of Health, Hon Dr Zweli Mkhize, and WHO global and regional leadership. With South Africa now among the top five of the world’s most affected countries, it is critical to strengthen its COVID-19 response.
“At this time when the COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa is spreading rapidly, it is important that we work together to intensify our fight against the virus,” said Dr Owen Kaluwa, WHO Representative for South Africa. “For this reason, WHO is ramping up support to complement national and provincial efforts to scale-up the response. Our collective efforts are necessary to identify cases, isolate and provide care, follow up contacts and fully implement physical distancing and other key public health measures. In this way, we will minimize the spread and impact of COVID19.”
WHO will be primarily responsible for funding the international surge team with South Africa largely being responsible for providing administrative resources for smooth initiation and integration of the partnership.
The surge team will be jointly led by Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa and Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme. They will work virtually from Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo and Geneva, Switzerland respectively to support the experts on the ground.
“Dr Moeti and Dr Ryan have become familiar and trusted figures in the fight against COVID-19,” said Minister of Health Hon Dr Zweli Mkhize. “They have been supporting and complementing our national efforts and we have had very fruitful and honest discussions with them. WHO will greatly bolster our efforts as we have seen how effective their interventions have been in countries like China, Spain, Italy, Mauritius and other countries that have been through what we are facing now. I would also like to pay tribute to the Director General of WHO Dr Tedros Adhanhom Ghebreyesus, who has been steadfast in his leadership during a defining global crisis. We look forward to welcoming the WHO team and integrating them to buttress our COVID-19 response.”
The delegation will be required to complete an initial period of quarantine and testing before being cleared for deployment in the country. They will be initiated into the current national health efforts and informed on how the National Department of Health is supporting provincial COVID-19 programmes. Then they will be deployed in the national department and the following provinces: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Kwazulu Natal and Mpumalanga.
“These provinces have been identified as the ones needing the most urgent support where the first team can make the most impact. As the remaining experts are deployed by WHO, all provinces in the country will benefit from their presence,” said Dr Sandile Buthelezi, the Director General of Health.
The surge team is expected to contribute to national efforts in key response areas including surveillance and streamlining of epidemiological systems and WHO global COVID-19 response guidelines, improved case management, leading to a reduced hospital burden and increased community buy-in resulting in greater compliance to public health measures.
“WHO Regional Office for Africa has made supporting South Africa a key priority,” said Dr Moeti. “I believe our joint efforts with South African health experts will help flatten the curve and save lives. We are in this together. Our solidarity which spans the globe is a model partnership for an effective response. United we will defeat COVID-19.”
https://www.afro.who.int/news/world-...e-south-africa
Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/08/10/update-on-covid-19-10th-august-2020/
Update on Covid-19 (10th August 2020)
Aug 10th, 2020|Press Releases and Notices
Media Release
10 August 2020
As of today, a cumulative total of 563 598 confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa have been recorded.
Case Data
[TABLE="class: NormalTable"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Province[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]Total cases for 10 August 2020[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]Percentage total[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Eastern Cape[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]82578[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]14,7[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Free State[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]28909[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]5,1[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Gauteng[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]193561[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]34,3[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]KwaZulu-Natal[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]99386[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]17,6[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Limpopo[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]10711[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]1,9[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Mpumalanga[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]19455[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]3,5[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]North West[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]21933[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]3,9[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Northern Cape[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]6802[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]1,2[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Western Cape[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]100213[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]17,8[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Unknown[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]50[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]0,0[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Total[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]563598[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]100,0[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Testing Data
The total number of tests conducted to date is 3 267 494 with 16 911 new tests conducted since the last report.
Reported Deaths and Recoveries
Regrettably we report 213 new COVID-19 related deaths: 57 from Eastern Cape, 39 from Gauteng, 11 from KwaZulu Natal, 64 from the Free State, 10 from Mpumalanga, 30 from Western Cape and 2 from Northern Cape.
This brings the cumulative total of reported COVID-19 related deaths to 10 621
We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased.
The number of recoveries currently stands at 417 200 which translates to a recovery rate of 74%
The provincial breakdown is as follows:
[TABLE="class: NormalTable"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Province[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]Deaths[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]Recoveries[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Eastern Cape[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]2266[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]76886[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Free State[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]414[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]13039[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Gauteng[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]2618[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]145776[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]KwaZulu-Natal[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]1420[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]55155[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Limpopo[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]127[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]8207[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Mpumalanga[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]149[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]15833[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]North West[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]130[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]12136[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Northern Cape[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]68[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]3307[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Western Cape[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]3429[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]86861[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Total[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]10621[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]417200[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Dr. Zwelini Mkhize
Minister of Health
facebook
Update on Covid-19 (10th August 2020)
Aug 10th, 2020|Press Releases and Notices
Media Release
10 August 2020
As of today, a cumulative total of 563 598 confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa have been recorded.
Case Data
[TABLE="class: NormalTable"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Province[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]Total cases for 10 August 2020[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]Percentage total[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Eastern Cape[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]82578[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]14,7[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Free State[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]28909[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]5,1[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Gauteng[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]193561[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]34,3[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]KwaZulu-Natal[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]99386[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]17,6[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Limpopo[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]10711[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]1,9[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Mpumalanga[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]19455[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]3,5[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]North West[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]21933[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]3,9[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Northern Cape[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]6802[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]1,2[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Western Cape[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]100213[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]17,8[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Unknown[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]50[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]0,0[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"]Total[/TD]
[TD="width: 199"]563598[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]100,0[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Testing Data
The total number of tests conducted to date is 3 267 494 with 16 911 new tests conducted since the last report.
Reported Deaths and Recoveries
Regrettably we report 213 new COVID-19 related deaths: 57 from Eastern Cape, 39 from Gauteng, 11 from KwaZulu Natal, 64 from the Free State, 10 from Mpumalanga, 30 from Western Cape and 2 from Northern Cape.
This brings the cumulative total of reported COVID-19 related deaths to 10 621
We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased.
The number of recoveries currently stands at 417 200 which translates to a recovery rate of 74%
The provincial breakdown is as follows:
[TABLE="class: NormalTable"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Province[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]Deaths[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]Recoveries[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Eastern Cape[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]2266[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]76886[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Free State[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]414[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]13039[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Gauteng[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]2618[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]145776[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]KwaZulu-Natal[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]1420[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]55155[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Limpopo[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]127[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]8207[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Mpumalanga[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]149[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]15833[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]North West[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]130[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]12136[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Northern Cape[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]68[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]3307[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Western Cape[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]3429[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]86861[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 199"]Total[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]10621[/TD]
[TD="width: 200"]417200[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Dr. Zwelini Mkhize
Minister of Health
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 32: 3 - 9 August 2020
Data as reported by: 17:00; 9 August 2020
...
Coronavirus disease 2019
South Africa
559 858 Cases
10 408 Deaths
1.9% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
South Africa continues to record the highest number of COVID-19 cases
and deaths on the continent, although the daily number of new cases
appears to be on a declining trend. However, this trend should be interpreted
cautiously, since the current targeted testing strategy means that fewer
daily tests are now conducted, and the number of deaths continues to rise.
Since our last report (Weekly Bulletin 31), the number of recorded cases
has increased by 48 373, which is 26% fewer than the number of cases
recorded in week 31 (week ending 2 August 2020). However, the number
of deaths recorded in the same period is 2 042, which is 21.7% higher
than the number of deaths recorded in week 31. As of 9 August 2020, the
country has reported a total of 559 858 cases and 10 408 deaths (case
fatality ratio 1.9%).
All provinces in the country are affected, with Gauteng Province the most
affected, at 192 767 cases (34.4%), followed by Western Cape Province
with 99 959 (17.9%) cases. KwaZulu-Natal (98 068; 17.5%) and Eastern
Cape (82 401; 14.7%) follow. Case numbers continue to rise rapidly in the
less populous provinces, with 28 370 cases in Free State Province, 21 837
cases in North West Province (the heart of the mining industry), 19 239
cases in Mpumalanga Province, 10 546 cases in Limpopo Province and
6 621 cases in the sparsely populated Northern Cape Province.
Western Cape Province has the most deaths (3 399; 32.6%), followed by
Gauteng Province (2 579; 24.4%), Eastern Cape Province (2 209; 21.2%)
and KwaZulu-Natal Province (1 409; 13.5%). The remaining provinces have
reported 812 deaths between them. The number of health workers affected
is now 24 104 (5% of all confirmed cases), with 181 deaths (1.74% of the
total) recorded. The number of recoveries stands at 411 147 (73%).
Among the 555 677 cases where age and gender is known, 323 120 cases
are female and 232 557 are male. The age groups most affected are those
between 25 to 54 years. The majority of deaths are among those aged
50-69 years.
As of 9 August 2020, a total of 3 250 583 PCR tests has been carried out,
of which 2 541 942 are passive case finding and 708 641 are community
screen and test. Currently, 79% of all tests have been carried out in the
private health sector, with 21% in the public health sector.
Sentinel surveillance carried out in selected public and private hospitals
by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) suggests that
weekly hospital admissions are declining, rising to a peak of 6 088 during
week 29 (week ending 18 July 2020) and falling in the past two weeks, with
5 019 admissions recorded in week 31 (week ending 1 August 2020). Public
hospitals account for only 22.3% and 19.6% of these figures, although the
number of admissions is also dropping in those public facilities that form
part of this sentinel surveillance.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
A WHO surge team of infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists
have been sent to South Africa, with the first 17 arriving on 5 August
2020. They are currently undergoing 14 days’ quarantine before being
deployed to different provinces.
South Africa remains in lockdown with mandatory cloth masks in
public, a complete ban on tobacco and alcohol sales; the curfew times
have been amended to 22:00 to 04:00 daily. Inter-provincial travel
remains banned except for essential workers and immediate family
for funerals.
Schools are closed from 27 July 2020 for four weeks, except for final
year learners (Grade 12), who returned to school on 3 August 2020
and Grade 7 learners who will return on 11 August 2020.
The Western Cape Government has developed a radio campaign
partnering with provincial healthcare workers to share important
messages about COVID-19, targeting regional community radio
stations across the Province.
The Western Cape COVID-19 communication campaign has used
radio, community newspapers, loud-hailing, flyers, posters and social
media in communities across the province to spread messages about
essential public health measures to prevent COVID-19.
Field hospitals have been built and equipped in Western Cape,
Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces to help to relieve
the burden on existing provincial hospitals.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The situation in South Africa remains of grave concern, although daily
recorded numbers are falling and there is some suggestion that hospital
admissions may be falling as well. However, the number of deaths
continues to rise, including in the less populous areas of the country,
which collectively now account for 7.8% of the deaths in the country. While
the main concentration of cases and deaths is in densely populated urban
areas, there is clearly established community transmission across the
country, with confirmed cases steadily rising in the more rural provinces.
Although sentinel surveillance suggests that hospital admissions are
falling, anectodal reports indicate that, in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal
in particular, hospital services are still under pressure. The continued
increase in cases and deaths shows that there is no room for complacency.
Government urgently requires massive and wide-reaching community
engagement and risk communication strategies to ensure that people who
are back at work take notice of these essential public health measures.
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/333769/OEW32-0309082020.pdf
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 32: 3 - 9 August 2020
Data as reported by: 17:00; 9 August 2020
...
Coronavirus disease 2019
South Africa
559 858 Cases
10 408 Deaths
1.9% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
South Africa continues to record the highest number of COVID-19 cases
and deaths on the continent, although the daily number of new cases
appears to be on a declining trend. However, this trend should be interpreted
cautiously, since the current targeted testing strategy means that fewer
daily tests are now conducted, and the number of deaths continues to rise.
Since our last report (Weekly Bulletin 31), the number of recorded cases
has increased by 48 373, which is 26% fewer than the number of cases
recorded in week 31 (week ending 2 August 2020). However, the number
of deaths recorded in the same period is 2 042, which is 21.7% higher
than the number of deaths recorded in week 31. As of 9 August 2020, the
country has reported a total of 559 858 cases and 10 408 deaths (case
fatality ratio 1.9%).
All provinces in the country are affected, with Gauteng Province the most
affected, at 192 767 cases (34.4%), followed by Western Cape Province
with 99 959 (17.9%) cases. KwaZulu-Natal (98 068; 17.5%) and Eastern
Cape (82 401; 14.7%) follow. Case numbers continue to rise rapidly in the
less populous provinces, with 28 370 cases in Free State Province, 21 837
cases in North West Province (the heart of the mining industry), 19 239
cases in Mpumalanga Province, 10 546 cases in Limpopo Province and
6 621 cases in the sparsely populated Northern Cape Province.
Western Cape Province has the most deaths (3 399; 32.6%), followed by
Gauteng Province (2 579; 24.4%), Eastern Cape Province (2 209; 21.2%)
and KwaZulu-Natal Province (1 409; 13.5%). The remaining provinces have
reported 812 deaths between them. The number of health workers affected
is now 24 104 (5% of all confirmed cases), with 181 deaths (1.74% of the
total) recorded. The number of recoveries stands at 411 147 (73%).
Among the 555 677 cases where age and gender is known, 323 120 cases
are female and 232 557 are male. The age groups most affected are those
between 25 to 54 years. The majority of deaths are among those aged
50-69 years.
As of 9 August 2020, a total of 3 250 583 PCR tests has been carried out,
of which 2 541 942 are passive case finding and 708 641 are community
screen and test. Currently, 79% of all tests have been carried out in the
private health sector, with 21% in the public health sector.
Sentinel surveillance carried out in selected public and private hospitals
by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) suggests that
weekly hospital admissions are declining, rising to a peak of 6 088 during
week 29 (week ending 18 July 2020) and falling in the past two weeks, with
5 019 admissions recorded in week 31 (week ending 1 August 2020). Public
hospitals account for only 22.3% and 19.6% of these figures, although the
number of admissions is also dropping in those public facilities that form
part of this sentinel surveillance.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
A WHO surge team of infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists
have been sent to South Africa, with the first 17 arriving on 5 August
2020. They are currently undergoing 14 days’ quarantine before being
deployed to different provinces.
South Africa remains in lockdown with mandatory cloth masks in
public, a complete ban on tobacco and alcohol sales; the curfew times
have been amended to 22:00 to 04:00 daily. Inter-provincial travel
remains banned except for essential workers and immediate family
for funerals.
Schools are closed from 27 July 2020 for four weeks, except for final
year learners (Grade 12), who returned to school on 3 August 2020
and Grade 7 learners who will return on 11 August 2020.
The Western Cape Government has developed a radio campaign
partnering with provincial healthcare workers to share important
messages about COVID-19, targeting regional community radio
stations across the Province.
The Western Cape COVID-19 communication campaign has used
radio, community newspapers, loud-hailing, flyers, posters and social
media in communities across the province to spread messages about
essential public health measures to prevent COVID-19.
Field hospitals have been built and equipped in Western Cape,
Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces to help to relieve
the burden on existing provincial hospitals.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The situation in South Africa remains of grave concern, although daily
recorded numbers are falling and there is some suggestion that hospital
admissions may be falling as well. However, the number of deaths
continues to rise, including in the less populous areas of the country,
which collectively now account for 7.8% of the deaths in the country. While
the main concentration of cases and deaths is in densely populated urban
areas, there is clearly established community transmission across the
country, with confirmed cases steadily rising in the more rural provinces.
Although sentinel surveillance suggests that hospital admissions are
falling, anectodal reports indicate that, in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal
in particular, hospital services are still under pressure. The continued
increase in cases and deaths shows that there is no room for complacency.
Government urgently requires massive and wide-reaching community
engagement and risk communication strategies to ensure that people who
are back at work take notice of these essential public health measures.
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/333769/OEW32-0309082020.pdf