By Kaya 959 Reporter
Despite more than 1 000 people testing positive for COVID-19 in Gauteng on Wednesday, the province’s number of active cases is on the decline.
Health department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the province stands at 890 969. A total of 18 200 people have succumbed to the coronavirus.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported that while sustained decreases in case numbers in Gauteng, Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga provinces have been observed, the other five provinces have either increasing or sustained number of new cases.
“The Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces still appear to be on the upward slope of the third wave, although the Western Cape is showing early signs of reaching the peak of their third wave. Whereas the Free State and Northern Cape provinces continue to see a steady number of new cases,” NICD Acting Executive Director, Prof Adrian Puren, said.
He added that nationally there is a decrease in the number of new daily cases and percent testing positive, however, there are some differences in trends at a provincial level.
As of today the cumulative number of #COVID19 cases identified in SA is 2 638 981 with 14 728 new cases reported. Today 384 deaths have been reported bringing the total to 78 377 deaths. The cumulative number of recoveries now stand at 2 402 020 with a recovery rate of 91,0% pic.twitter.com/O96a3HdK02
— Department of Health (@HealthZA) August 18, 2021
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Vaccination is key
The NICD’s Dr Michelle Groome said while communities believe that the country has surpassed the third wave, adherence to the current adjusted level 3 restrictions and preventative measures remain essential.
“Vaccination is key as we look towards the end of the third wave and mitigation of a fourth wave in the latter part of the year. Vaccine supply and the number of vaccination sites have increased and it is up to the public to ensure that they present for vaccination,” Groome said.
The National Department of Health said 9 962 111 vaccinations have been administered.
According to the NICD, the majority of Wednesday’s cases were:
Western Cape – 27%
KwaZulu-Natal – 25%
Eastern Cape – 13%
Gauteng – 12%;
Free State – 7%;
Mpumalanga – 5%
North West – 5%
Northern Cape – 4%
Limpopo accounted – 3%
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