The Western Cape’s health department has squashed rumours that the recent deaths recorded in the province are related to the COVID-19 vaccine. The 32 deaths reported are believed to be people who had been vaccinated, however, investigations indicated that their deaths have no connection to any vaccine administered in the province.
According to News 24, the health department’s chief operating officer Saadiq Kariem indicated that the investigation concluded and confirmed that the deaths were due to another illness or injury.
Kariem also added that around 80% of those vaccinated have experienced minor reactions, such as headaches, body pain and fever but more than 400 people had already recovered in the Western Cape. Over 2 million people have already registered for their COVID-19 vaccine in the province and South Africa has also surpassed the 16 million mark for total administered COVID-19 doses since the start of the country’s vaccination rollout programme. This comes after 154 199 jabs were distributed in the last 24 hours.
In the meantime, 12 711 active COVID-19 infections, 515 625 confirmed and 483 390 recoveries as of Monday, September 20.
1/2 ?Update on the coronavirus and vaccines
As at 1pm on 20 September 2021, the Western Cape had 12 711 active COVID-19 infections, with a total number 515 625 COVID-19 cases to date and 483 390 recoveries.
Full statement: https://t.co/R2NbSY9KzQ pic.twitter.com/XeMbN19qTn
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) September 20, 2021
Here’s a breakdown of the province’s latest COVID-19 statistics:
- Total number of COVID-19 cases to date 515 625
- Total recoveries 483 390
- Total deaths 19 524
- Total active cases (currently infected patients) 12 711
- Tests conducted 2 397 561
- Hospitalisations (private and public combined) 2255 of which 492 are in high care or ICU
A total of 2 641 449 vaccines have already been administered to healthcare workers, staff in the education sector and those within eligible age brackets. The current 7-day moving average is 52 deaths per day taking the total COVID-19 related deaths to 19 524.
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