CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - SOUTH AFRICA - 4 MAY 2020 - EASTERN CAPE CASES NOW AT 814 WHILE SA CONFIRMED CASES RISES TO 7220

 The total number of confirmed cases in South Africa is 7220, an increase of 437. 

In total there have been 257,541 tests, of those 11,794 conducted in the past 24 hours.

7 more deaths have been reported, total deaths nationally is 138. Our mortality rate has remained stable at around 1.9% since the first death was reported. This is below the world average which is 3.4% as estimated by the World Health Organisation

As of 2 May, 2746 recoveries.

The provincial breakdown is as follows:

As a reminder to all South Africans, the principle of flattening the curve is to limit the spread of the infection such that the numbers do not rise to the extent that they overwhelm the health care system.

As Winter sets in we will be confronted with the additional burden of influenza and other pneumonias, bronchiolitis in children, exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive air- ways disease and winter related trauma, like burns injuries.

South Africans are urged to continue to play their part in easing the load on the health care system- stay home if you do not have to venture out, wear a mask at all times in public places, wash your hands regularly & disinfect surfaces you come into contact with.

Employers whose businesses have opened to take all the necessary measures to protect their employees.

We salute our health professionals- our doctors, nurses, care workers, community workers, allied health professionals, medical technicians, pharmacists, porters, cleaners, laboratory technicians& all our foot soldiers in the front line of health care who continue to serve.