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