COVID-19: SA records more than 1800 cases and 2 deaths

South Africa recorded more than 1800 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, 3 March, according to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD). The 28 302 tests conducted over the past 24 hours represent a positivity rate of 6,5 percent.

SA ADDS 1853 NEW COVID-19 CASES

The 1853 new COVID-19 cases detected in South Africa on Thursday brings the total number of active cases in the country to 25 758. 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 41 deaths the National Department of Health added today due to the ongoing audit exercise, which could result in a backlog.

There were 65 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 2602 patients admitted.

“The proportion of positive new cases/total new tested today is 6.5%, which is lower than yesterday (7.5%). The 7-day average is 6.9% today, which is lower than yesterday (7.1%). The 7-day moving average daily number of cases has decreased.” said the NICD.

PROVINCIAL BREAKDOWN

The majority of the cases identified on Wednesday were found in Gauteng (35%), followed by the Western Cape (23%) and KwaZulu-Natal with 20 percent.

Eastern Cape, Free State and Mpumalanga accounted for 5 percent each. The North West (4%) and Limpopo and Northern Cape with 2 percent each rounded off the day’s cases.

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

• Eastern Cape – 87 cases;
• Free State – 89 cases;
• Gauteng – 650 cases;
• KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) – 369 cases;
• Limpopo – 36 cases;
• Mpumalanga – 97 cases;
• North West – 74 cases;
• Northern Cape – 31 cases;
• Western Cape – 420 cases; and
• Unallocated – 0 cases.

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