COVID-19 latest: SA records 2 952 new confirmed cases, 8 deaths

South Africa recorded 2 952 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said on Monday. 

WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED CASES TO DATE? 

This brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 3 894 745. 

This increase of 2 952 new COVID-19 cases represents a 16.8% positivity rate. 

EIGHT FURTHER COVID-19 RELATED DEATHS 

A total of eight further COVID-19 related deaths have been reported, leaving the total fatalities to 100 771 to date.

“The cumulative number of recoveries is 3 713 797.” 

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THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RECOVERIES TO DATE? 

For more detailed information, visit the GIS Dashboard.

24 903 051 tests have been conducted in both the public and private sectors.

#COVID19 UPDATE: 17,540 tests were conducted in the last 24hrs, with 2,952 new cases, which represents a 16.8% positivity rate. Today @HealthZA reports 16 deaths; of which 8 occurred in the past 24–48 hrs. Total fatalities are 100,771 to date: https://t.co/0U8sBCRVar pic.twitter.com/0r0iFgA3vr

— NICD (@nicd_sa) May 16, 2022

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I THINK I HAVE COVID-19, WHAT NOW?

If you suspect you have been infected or were in direct contact with someone who has been confirmed positive:

Keep careful watch of these common symptoms associated with Omicron (cough, fatigue or tiredness, congestion, and runny nose). Unlike in previous variants, the loss of taste and smell seems to be uncommon.

Here are some practical guidelines to follow if you suspect you have contracted COVID-19, but have not been tested: 

• The golden rule is to stay home, quarantine for 10-days, and limit contact with others.
• If no symptoms present during this period, quarantine can be broken once the 10-days have been completed. However, if any symptoms present during this period, it is important to manage them and to know when a visit to the doctor is necessary.
• If worrisome symptoms present, specifically relating to respiratory complications, please seek immediate medical attention or call an ambulance.
• For those seeking medical intervention to address mild symptoms, the individual can telephonically contact the healthcare facility for a virtual consultation. Alternatively, the doctor can request an in-person assessment.

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