Nyakallo Tefu
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Gauteng, the country’s epicentre of the outbreak, currently stands at 1 720, according to Premier David Makhura.
Makhura said as of Thursday 15 people had died in Gauteng as a result of COVID-19 and 1,036 recoveries in the province.
About 2.1 million people have been screened so far in the province.
Makhura outline the figures during a provincial command council weekly update on Thursday.
“We have 0.8% mortality rate and 38% active cases at the moment. 61% of those who tested positive since 06 March have recovered,” said Makhura.
“Slowing down the infection flattens the curve. A lower mortality rate, higher recovery rate and fewer active cases are what Gauteng has achieved during the lockdown.”
“There are 70 patients currently admitted in hospitals. Eight patients are in ICU, eight in private and none in the public sector. Our clinicians emphasise that early interventions are important (oxygenation, fluid supportive treatment, prone position & blood thinning) could be the reason behind fewer complications and low mortality.”
Makhura said that based on the current patient load, the province has adequate PPE in stock. However, the province continued to order more stock for the next phases of the pandemic.
“We still want to emphasise that surgical and N95 masks must be reserved for use only by frontline healthcare workers,” said Makhura.
“Priority is on the empowerment of local manufacturing companies, SMMEs and Township businesses. The Department is sourcing from various service providers who are registered on the COVID-19.”
Makhura said the high number of recoveries and the low mortality rate was a good sign
“The numbers tell a story that during the lockdown – as at 06 May, Gauteng has done well in slowing down the infection rate through effective contact tracing and monitoring. The high number of recoveries is a good sign and low mortality rate is also commendable. We insist that it is too early but we have learnt good lessons,” said Makhura.
He said areas that need improvement include screening and testing.
“More screening and testing is crucial to understand the prevalence and spread of COVID-19,” he said.
“It is for this reason that we will increase the number of people who will be screened to 5 million by end of July and the number of tests to 3 000 a day.”