CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: MINISTER URGES SENIOR CITIZENS TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS

As at today, 2 May 2020, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa is 6,336 and the total number of tests conducted 230 686, of which 13 164 were done in the last 24 hours. This is the highest number in a 24 hour cycle.

The Western Cape has become the epicentre of the novel virus with 2,700 confirmed cases. It is followed by Gauteng at 1,598 cases and KwaZulu Natal at 1,051.

We are saddened to report a further 7 Coronavirus related deaths from the Western Cape and Free State. This brings the national coronavirus death toll to 123. The deaths have been recorded in Western Cape (56); KwaZulu Natal (34); Eastern Cape (13; Gauteng (12); Free State (6) and Limpopo (2). We wish to express our deepest condolences to the deceased families and friends.

On a positive note, the Department of Heath reports that the number of recoveries now stands at 2,549. This means that there’s a total of 3,664 active COVID-19 cases in the country. Active cases is the total number of confirmed cases minus the recoveries and deaths.

The Health Ministry has observed that more males than females have had coronavirus related deaths. Out of the 123 death toll, 71 were males and 52 were females.

Furthermore, the median age of patients that passed away was 64. The majority of deaths were patients in they’re 60s (24,4%), followed by 70s (22.7%) and 50s (18,7%).

Bases on data evidence, the Health Ministry noted that the 3 most common co-morbidities are hypertension, diabetes and cardiac disease which are associated with serious illness from COVID-19.

“Other co-morbidities that were seen amongst COVID-19 admitted patients were chronic pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic renal disease, malignancy, HIV, active and past TB.” Said the DoH in a statement.

The Minister of health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, urged South Africans that are above 63 and those who live with these conditions to takee extra precaution as the Government eases the lockdown.