COVID-19 delta XBB.1.5

Transmission electron micrograph of a SARS-CoV-2 virus particle (UK B.1.1.7 variant), isolated from a patient sample – Photo: NIAID / Wikimedia Commons

COVID-19: SA records 1898 cases and 2 deaths

South Africa added 1898 new cases on Friday and unfortunately two more people died of the disease over the last 24 to 48 hours.

COVID-19 delta XBB.1.5

Transmission electron micrograph of a SARS-CoV-2 virus particle (UK B.1.1.7 variant), isolated from a patient sample – Photo: NIAID / Wikimedia Commons

South Africa recorded 1898 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, 4 March, according to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD). The 30 158 tests conducted over the past 24 hours represent a positivity rate of 6,3 percent.

SA ADDS 1898 NEW COVID-19 CASES

The 1898 new COVID-19 cases detected in South Africa on Friday brings the total number of active cases in the country to 24 551. Unfortunately, 2 more people died of COVID-19-related complications in the last 24 to 48 hours, according to the NICD, bringing the death toll to 99 499.

The two deaths are included in the 18 deaths the National Department of Health added today due to the ongoing audit exercise, which could result in a backlog.

There were 60 people admitted to hospital for COVID-19 treatment within the latest testing cycle. The 259 private and 407 public hospitals reporting to the NICD now have 2587 patients admitted.

“The proportion of positive new cases/total new tested today is 6.3%, which is lower than yesterday (6.5%). The 7-day average is 6.6% today, which is lower than yesterday (6.9%). The 7-day moving average daily number of cases has decreased,” said the NICD.

7-day moving average. Graphic: NICD.

PROVINCIAL BREAKDOWN

The majority of the cases identified on Friday were found in Gauteng (37%), followed by the Western Cape (22%) and KwaZulu-Natal with 17 percent.

Free State and Mpumalanga each had 6 percent, while Limpopo and North West each accounted for 4 percent.

The Eastern Cape (3%) and Northern Cape (1%) rounded off the day’s cases.

The list below shows the new COVID-19 cases identified by province:

  • Eastern Cape – 60 cases;
  • Free State – 111 cases;
  • Gauteng – 707 cases;
  • KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) – 327 cases;
  • Limpopo – 68 cases;
  • Mpumalanga – 108 cases;
  • North West – 72 cases;
  • Northern Cape – 24 cases;
  • Western Cape – 421 cases; and
  • Unallocated – 0 cases.

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