Gauteng overtakes the Western Cape as COVID-19 hotspot

Thursday, July 9, 2020

With over 75 000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, Gauteng has overtaken the Western Cape as the epicentre with the highest number of infections, the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize said.

As of Wednesday, the number of infections grew by 8 810 bringing to 224 665 the confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in South Africa.

Unfortunately, 100 more people succumbed to COVID-19 related deaths.

Of the new additional fatalities, 47 were from Western Cape, 18 from the Eastern Cape, 15 from Mpumalanga, 18 from KwaZulu-Natal and two from Limpopo, which brings the death toll to  3 602.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, the number of recoveries is 106 842, which translates to a recovery rate of 47.5%.

In addition, 1 944 399 tests have been completed since the outbreak of which 36 867 were done in the last 24 hours.

Gauteng, which is now the Coronavirus hotspot has 75 015 cases, followed by the Western Cape 73 292, Eastern Cape 42 357 and KwaZulu-Natal 17 962.

The North West has 7 147 cases, Free State 3 259, Mpumalanga 2 528, Limpopo 2 131 and Northern Cape 974.

According to the World Health Organisation, there are 11 669 259 cases globally and 539 906 deaths. – SAnews.gov.za