LATEST CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 IN SOUTH AFRICA (3 MAY 2021)

Media Statement

As if today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 584 961. 

Province Total cases for 03 May 2021 Percentage total
Eastern Cape 196 122 12,4
Free State 89 627 5,7
Gauteng 424 639 26,8
KwaZulu-Natal 336 786 21,2
Limpopo 63 958 4,0
Mpumalanga 78 366 4,9
North West 67 920 4,3
Northern Cape 40 488 2,6
Western Cape 287 055 18,1
Unknown 0 0,0
Total 1 584 961 100,0

 Testing Data 

The number of tests conducted to date is 10 715 773. Of these 16 752 tests were conducted since the last report.

Sector Total tested   New tested  
PRIVATE 6 002 779 56% 9 477 57%
PUBLIC 4 712 994 44% 7 275 43%
Total 10 715 773   16 752  

Deaths and Recoveries

Today, 35 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 2, Free State 6, Gauteng 7, KwaZulu-Natal 16, Limpopo 0, Mpumalanga 1, North West 0, Northern Cape 2 and Western Cape 1, which brings the total to 54 452 deaths. We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased patients.

The cumulative recoveries now stand at 1 508 558, representing a recovery rate of 95%.

Province Total Deaths Total Recoveries Active Cases
Eastern Cape 11 570 184 382 170
Free State 3 886 82 097 3 644
Gauteng 10 671 410 936 3 032
KwaZulu-Natal 10 404 321 038 5 344
Limpopo 2 272 61 424 262
Mpumalanga 1 397 76 295 674
North West 1 725 63 136 3 059
Northern Cape 900 35 742 3 846
Western Cape 11 627 273 508 1 920
Total 54 452 1 508 558 21 951

Vaccination Rollout 

The number of Health Care Workers Vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol to date is 329 098. 

Concerns Regarding the B.1.617 Variant Circulating in India (and Other Variants)

We have noted the concerns raised both directly with us and on social media regarding possible importation of the B.1.617 variant circulating in India. This is appreciated with the context of knowing that there are several variants of concern (VOC’s) circulating around the world.

We wish to reassure citizens that there are no direct flights from India and that all our ports of entry employ stringent containment procedures to minimise the importation of COVID-19. We are currently on high alert to screen passengers and test those who require further assessment.

We have not detected the B.1.617 variant as yet in South Africa, however, we have consulted members of the the genomics team who have informed us that they they have intensified their surveillance not only to ensure that variant can be detected quickly but also to understand what the implications are for us in the context of B.1.351 being the dominant variant in South Africa. This work is ongoing and we commit to continue to be guided by science.

Meanwhile, we have also consulted the Ministerial Advisory Committee to advise us on the approach to management of travelers from countries that have epidemics driven by variants of concern. Their advise will assist us to determine the next steps forward, of which government will announce these determinations in due course.

For now we ask for calm to prevail as we continue to adhere to the health protocols, tighten containment measures at our ports of entry and keep a balance as we maintain economic activity.

Dr. Zwelini Mkhize

Minister of Health

END

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