SouthAfrica has recorded 897 new cases of COVID-19 “. The cumulative number of cases identified is now 1 584 961 as of the past 24-hour cycle. The number of tests conducted to date is 10 715 773. Of these 16 752 tests were conducted since the last report

On Monday 35 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 2, Free State 6, Gauteng 7, Kwa-Zulu Natal 16, Limpopo 0, Mpumalanga 1, North West 0, Northern Cape 2 and Western Cape 1, which brings the total to 54 452 deaths.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhuseli has conveyed  condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thanks to the health care workers who treated the deceased patients

The cumulative recoveries now stand at 1 508 558, representing a recovery rate of 95%. Mkhize says they have noted the concerns raised both directly with his department and on social media regarding the possible importation of the B.1.617 variant circulating in India. He said this is appreciated with the context of knowing that there are several variants of concern (VOC’s) circulating around the world.

"We wish to reassure citizens that there are no direct flights from India and that all our ports of entry employ stringent containment procedures to minimise the importation of COVID-19. We are currently on high alert to screen passengers and test those who require further assessment. We have not detected the B.1.617 variant as yet in South Africa, however, we have consulted members of the genomics team who have informed us that they have intensified their surveillance not only to ensure that the variant can be detected quickly but also to understand what the implications are for us in the context of B.1.351 being the dominant variant in South Africa."  Says Mkhize