As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa is 7, 220.
There are 7 more COVID-19 related deaths: 6 from Western Cape and 1 from KZN. Total deaths nationally are now 138.
“We wish to express our condolences to the families of the deceased and thank the healthcare workers who treated these patients,” said Dr Zweli Mkhize, Health Minister.
“We have 2, 746 recoveries as of 2 May 2020.
“Our mortality rate has remained stable at around 1.9% since the first death was reported. This is below the world average which is 3.4% as estimated by the World Health Organisation.”
Testing Data
A total of 257 541 tests have been conducted to date with 11 794 tests done in the past 24 hours.
Hospital Burden
“As at 2 May 2020, we had 411 people hospitalized in the country,” said Mkhize.
“This translates to approximately 5% of all COVID-19 confirmed patients and this is consistent with the hospitalization rates that were seen in China.”
“As a reminder to all South Africans, the principle of flattening the curve is to limit the spread of the infection such that the numbers do not rise to the extent that they overwhelm the health care system.
“As winter sets in we will be confronted with the additional burden of influenza and other pneumonia, bronchiolitis in children, exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive airways disease and winter-related trauma, like burns injuries.
“I, therefore, urge South Africans to continue to play their part in easing the load on the health care system, stay home if you do not have to venture out, wear a mask at all times in public places, wash your hands regularly & disinfect surfaces you come into contact with COVID-19.”
