Mkhize has acknowledged that South Africa has experienced a noticeable spike in Covid-19-related deaths, but has attributed this to “data collation.”
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), however confirmed there have been no excess deaths for three weeks in a row.
“We, therefore, consulted the provinces to ascertain the reason for the increased numbers. We have received reports that the provinces are implementing the recommendations of the SAMRC to reconcile the data with Home Affairs deaths data,” the Minister explained.
“Also, provinces are auditing the deaths data either by mining data from the DATCOV surveillance reports and identifying unreported deaths or auditing the facilities on the ground.”
Minister Mkhize said they have welcomed this “robust” refinement of data collation because it reassures precision and accuracy in the government’s epidemiological surveillance. Epidemiological surveillance is the systematic collection, dissemination and analysis of health data which assists in planning, implementation and evaluation of public health programmes.
“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers that treated the deceased patients,” said Mkhize.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 fatalities in South Africa is 17 673.
Of those 39 from Eastern Cape, 35 from the Free State, 10 from KwaZulu Natal, 30 from Gauteng, 4 from Mpumalanga and 8 from Western Cape have been reported in the last 24 hours.
COVID-19 cases have increased to 690 896 while the recoveries have also increased to 622 153, with a recovery rate of 90%.
The more you understand yourself, the more silence there is, the healthier you are. —Maxime Lagacé
