NATIONAL NEWS - As of today, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa is 1280. This is an increase of 93 from the previously reported cases.
This was announced by Minister of Health, Dr Zwelini Mkhize this evening.
A second death was also reported.
A statement issued by Mkhize tonight reads as follows:
"It is with sadness that we announce the second death of a patient who had tested positive for COVID-19. The 74 year old male had been in ICU and ventilation in a private hospital in Ladysmith. He had travelled to Kruger National Park with his family and came back with flu like symptoms. He was confirmed to be COVID-19 positive on the 27th March 2020.
"It has been reported to us that the deceased patient had an underlying skin cancer condition (melanoma), which had already complicated. He presented with the following symptoms: respiratory distress, shortness of breath, cardiac failure, decreased saturation and his temperature was above 38 degrees.
"The deceased’s family, 14 health workers, including 3 specialist doctors, who were in contact with him are now in quarantine and being monitored.
"We express our condolences to the family and we thank the doctors and health workers who looked after the deceased patient until his time of passing."
The provincial breakdown is as follows:
GAUTENG
584
WESTERN CAPE
310
KWAZULU – NATAL
167
FREE STATE
72
NORTH WEST
6
MPUMALANGA
11
LIMPOPO
12
EASTERN CAPE
12
NORTHERN CAPE
6
UNALLOCATED
100
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