COVID-19 latest: SA reports 18 035 new confirmed cases

South Africa recorded 18 035 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has said on Sunday. 

WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED CASES TO DATE? 

This brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 3 167 497. The increase of 18 035 new COVID-19 cases represents a 28.9 % positivity rate. 

A further 21 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 90 137 to date.

“The cumulative number of recoveries is 2 913 232.” 

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RECOVERIES TO DATE? 

The majority of new cases are in Gauteng: 16 716, followed by the KwaZulu-Natal with 6 246 new cases, the Western Cape with 4 655 new cases, and North West with 2 346, and the Eastern Cape with 2 097 new cases in the provinces. 

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20 238 805 tests have been conducted in both the public and private sectors.

There has been an increase of 96 hospital admissions in the past 24hours.

ANY INDICATIONS OF MORE LOCKDOWN RESTRUCTIONS?  

The National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) will meet as early as Tuesday 14 December, with discussions to be concluded by Wednesday 15 December. It’s likely that the conclusion of these crunch talks will see Ramaphosa consult with provincial leaders, before announcing an address to the nation.

PRESIDENT LIKELY TO ADDRESS THE NATION SOON

A family meeting BEFORE Thursday 16 December is therefore quite likely, with Ramaphosa mindful that this date is a public holiday. Next week will also see millions of citizens hit the road for their festive travel plans.

ALSO READ: Another family meeting: When will Ramaphosa address the nation again?

Despite this, Pieter Streicher reckons no lockdown restrictions are required to manage the new variant.

ALSO READ: ‘Lockdown restrictions NOT NEEDED for Omicron wave’ – SA expert

WHAT IS THE OMICRON VARIANT?

The World Health Organisation’s named the variant the omicron variant. This follows the Delta and Beta variants that were also given Greek names.

The first case of the Omicron variant was from a COVID test that was collected on the 9th of November. South African scientists identified the new variant and first reported the matter to the WHO on the 24th of November.

But what makes Omicron different from other variants? Well, it has a large number of mutations. In fact, a lot more than any of the previous variants seen before.

ALSO READ: Do you qualify for the Covid-19 grant? Here are the eligibility criteria