COVID-19 latest figures

Image: Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize visits the Covid -19 field hospital at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on June 01, 2020 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that his visit was part of a nationwide tour to assess the state of readiness of Provinces to cope with the expected rise in Covid-19 infections. (Photo by Gallo Images/ Jeffrey Abrahams)

COVID-19 latest: Cases up by 3 880, deaths rise by 195

A total of 599 940 COVID-19 cases have now been reported since March, and 12 618 people have died from the virus to date in SA.

COVID-19 latest figures

Image: Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize visits the Covid -19 field hospital at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on June 01, 2020 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that his visit was part of a nationwide tour to assess the state of readiness of Provinces to cope with the expected rise in Covid-19 infections. (Photo by Gallo Images/ Jeffrey Abrahams)

On Thursday 20 August, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced that COVID-19 cases in South Africa have increased by 3 880 in the last 24-hours, meaning that a total of 599 940 cases have now been accumulatively reported since March 2020. 

In the last 24-hours alone, a further 195 people have died from the virus, meaning that a total of 12 618 people have died since the first death in March 2020. 

The Health Minister also reported that 497 169 people have successfully recovered from the virus, meaning that there are now approximately 102 771 people actively suffering from COVID-19 in South Africa on Thursday. 

A total of 3 480 293 tests have been conducted since March, with 24 612 completed in the last 24-hours alone. 

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased,” said Mkhize.

Provincial COVID-19 case breakdown  

The following confirmed COVID-19 cases have been recorded in each province as of Thursday 20 August: 

  • Eastern Cape – 84 586 cases
  • Free State – 33 665 cases; 
  • Gauteng –  202 955 cases; 
  • KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) – 108 080 cases; 
  • Limpopo – 12 086 cases; 
  • Mpumalanga – 22 459 cases; 
  • North West –  23 868 cases; 
  • Northern Cape –  8 575 cases; 
  • Western Cape – 103 616 cases; and
  • Unallocated –  50 cases.

Buthelezi recovers aged 91

There was some good news on Thursday afternoon, as it was announced that Founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Mangosuthu Buthelezi, is among those who have successfully recovered from he virus, at the tender age of 91 no less. 

Even better, Buthelezi is set to celebrate his 92nd birthday in a week’s time.

“He has today received a negative test result confirming that he is no longer infected. Indeed his full medical tests have provided us with complete assurance that he is in good health,” a statement from his family read.