In a dramatic shift in numbers since yesterday, Friday March 13, there are now 38 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in South Africa. An increase of 14 cases.
This includes a Grade 9 pupil from United Herzlia Schools who tested positive after travelling to the United States. United Herzlia Schools has since closed eight of their campuses across the Cape this week.
The Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize confirmed the updated numbers.
The breakdown per province is as follows:
GAUTENG: 7
A 76 year old male who had travelled to the UK and the US
A 72 year old female who had travelled to the UK and the US
A 47 year old male who had travelled to the UK and the US
A 52 year old male who had travelled to Germany
A 38 year old male who had travelled to the Netherlands and Germany
A 62 year old male who had travelled to the Netherlands
A 19 year old female who had travelled to France and Italy
WESTERN CAPE: 6
A 27 year old male who had travelled to Brazil
A 33 year old female who had travelled to France
A 49 year old male who had travelled to France and Italy
A 14 year old female who had travelled to the US and Dubai
A 73 year old male who had travelled to the UK
A 32 year old male who had travelled to the UK
KWAZULU-NATAL: 1
A 47 year old male who had travelled to Switzerland
“The patients have now been informed, all information has been verified and contact tracing is underway. In view of the rising numbers, President Ramaphosa has called for an urgent cabinet meeting to held on Sunday. This meeting will explore ways of intensifying the country’s response to this outbreak,” the statement read.
Dr Mkhize also welcomed back the South Africans who were brought back from Wuhan on Saturday morning.
“All the citizens have now settled in at the Ranch Hotel. Tomorrow we will give an update regarding their arrival. We are prioritizing that our people settle in well. Thereafter all protocols as identified by the SANDF and the Department of Health will be properly followed and implemented,” he said.
If you believe you may be ill after coming into contact with a person who has tested positive, contact the NICD on: 0800 029 999.
Also read: Cape Town schoolgirl tests positive for coronavirus
Picture: Pixabay