With an increase of 17 710 new cases, the cumulative total of Covid-19 cases now stands at 1 039 161. Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize says the national positivity rate is 33%.
"The positivity rate, being an indicator of the rapidity of spread, remains of major concern." said Mkhize.
A total number of 465 more COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded since the last report.
- Western Cape 165
- Kwa-Zulu Natal 144
- Eastern Cape 88
- Gauteng 41
- Limpopo 16
- Northern Cape 7
- Free State 4
The total deaths recorded since the virus first reached South Africa's shores now stands at 28 033 deaths.
The second variant of Covid-19, named 501.V2 has been identified as the cause behind the rapid spread of the second wave of infections.
Although the new variant spreads faster, the government has asked South Africans to not panic as it is too early to tell how severe the variant is and if the vaccine will work on it.
Instead, the government has advised South Africans to be responsible by following the Covid-19 health guidelines and regulations
"Many South Africans believe the vaccine is a silver bullet to ending this pandemic. That is not true. People need to adopt the NPI’s. The vaccine is not the solution in the short term. People need to take responsibility in controlling the epidemic" said Safura Karim, senior researcher at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).
The country has been on an updated level 3 lockdown since midnight 28 December 2020.
Some restrictions were put in place to make the lockdown more effective. These restrictions include: a ban on alcohol, a ban on indoor and outdoor gatherings as well as the closing of beaches, lakes and public swimming pools.
The President said the lockdown will be reviewed on 15 January 2021.
