A Cape Town hospital has reportedly announced that it is “COVID-free” after it discharged its last COVID-19 patient on Wednesday.
According to News24, Melomed Mitchells Plain said this was a “key milestone” that must not go unnoticed.
“Whilst we are mindful of the fact that there may be more COVID-19 admissions at the hospital in future, this key milestone is one that must not go unnoticed given the arduous journey that has been overcome in recent months,” Melomed spokesperson Shameema Adams was quoted as saying.
Melomed Mitchells Plain was one of the first hospitals in the country to admit and treat a COVID-19 positive patient.
Adams said despite the encouraging development, the hospital was still prepared for a potential third wave of infections.
Earlier this week, health experts said it was too early to talk of a third wave, as countrywide figures were yet to be tallied.
This came as the Western Cape recorded a 5% increase in positive COVID-19 cases just before the Easter weekend.
A statement by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on Wednesday indicated that the province had 2 159 active COVID-19 infections.
“As of 1pm on 7 April, the Western Cape has 2 159 active COVID-19 infections with a total of 280 817 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 267 178 recoveries,” Winde said.
1/2 Update on the coronavirus and vaccines ?
As of 1pm on 7 April, the Western Cape has 2159 active Covid-19 infections with a total of 280 817 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 267 178 recoveries.
Statement: https://t.co/jE2lMUEDDY pic.twitter.com/ys1MO8dxaT
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) April 7, 2021
He said that a total of 50 866 out of the 53 820 vaccines received to date as part of the Sisonke trial, had been administered by 5pm on 6 April.
Here are the figures
Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 280 817
Total recoveries 267 178
Vaccines administered 50 866
Total deaths 11 480
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 2159
Tests conducted 1 448 937
Winde said that a total of 759 patients were currently admitted in hospitals, out of which 154 were in ICU/High Care.
“The Western Cape has recorded 8 additional deaths since Tuesday, 6 April 2021, bringing the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in the province to 11 480. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time,” he said.
PICTURE: Cape Town etc gallery
ALSO READ: It’s too early to talk of third wave, health experts say