In a briefing today [March 31], Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said that the total number of deaths in the country due to COVID-19 now stands at four. He later corrected that number by Tweeting that the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the country is five.
The deaths are as follows:
1. Cape Town: A woman with underlying health issues (48)
2. Free State: A man with underlying health issues (85)
3. Gauteng: A man (undisclosed age)
4. KwaZulu-Natal: A man (74)
5. A woman with chronic asthma (46, undisclosed location)
The Minister said in a Tweet that although the number of positive cases are still increasing, the quarantine means the spread of the virus will decrease. He urged residents to maintain good hygiene.
Step for lockdown was important. Remember hygiene and stay at home. Reduction of traffic in trains and taxis has helped contain spread. We are picking up positive cases but quarantine means infection won’t spread
— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) March 31, 2020
He also said that he government is working hard to protect heath care workers.
Working hard to ensure health workers are protected. Also working hard on protective gear
— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) March 31, 2020
Also read: Ministers inform country on improved pandemic regulations
Also read: 50 COVID-19 patients fully recover in Cape Town
Picture: Twitter
