Updated Mar. 27, 2020 | 20:30
South Africa has recorded its first novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) death since the initial case broke 22 days ago.
In an earlier statement on Friday, the Minister of Health Dr. Zweli Mkhize announced “two deaths” and stated that:
“These two deaths occurred in the Western Cape. One at a Private Hospital and the other at a Public Hospital.”
After thorough verification, the Minister later revised this statement to only one Covid-19 death.
The deceased is a 28-year-old newlywed who had no travel record. She was admitted to Tygerberg Hospital in Bellville, Cape Town. Significantly, the coronavirus victim had no underlying health issues, the family intimated.
Even though the Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu confirmed the 28-year-old death being linked to Covid-19, he said the other is suspected.
Mthembu also indicated that South Africa has 1 170 cases by Friday evening.
Today marks day one of the 21 days of the historic lockdown in the country announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa Monday Mar. 23.
The heightened movement restrictions of people is designed to enhance social distancing efforts and minimal contact among citizens.
Earlier in March 2020, schools, colleges and universities closed when initial cases were reported. Now the government has factored in countrywide strict conditions.
Speaking to the nation on Monday, Ramaphosa said:
“Staying at home, avoiding public places and cancelling all social activities is the preferred best defence against the virus… Individuals will not be allowed to leave their homes except under strictly controlled circumstances, such as to seek medical care, buy food, medicine and other supplies or collect a social grant.”
Experts believe these hard-to-adhere steps slow the spread of coronavirus and flattens the climbing curve of infections. For this reason, health facilities will not be overwhelmed. Dr. Mkhize clearly stated that social distancing “disrupt” the human-to-human transmission.
China, South Korea and Singapore are publicly known countries that implemented the shutdowns in their territories with measured successes.
The nationwide shutdown will be executed by the members of SA Police Service assisted by the SA National Defense Force.
Curious cases
According to eNCA, a mini-bus taxi carrying 14 German tourists was pounced on by the police Friday morning in Newlands, Johannesburg. Upon testing for Covid-19, one (tourist) was found positive and others showed symptoms of the pandemic.
Dr. Bandile Masuku, the MEC of Health in Gauteng, said the Germans were about to leave the country when they were stopped for coronavirus testing.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the media powerhouse in Africa, has reported a positive case of Covid-19 in the Northern Cape. In a statement it confirmed that:
“The SABC can confirm that we have one confirmed case of coronavirus at our Northern Cape Provincial Office. As a precautionary measure, we will close the Kimberley office and all employees based in that office will also be quarantined. The employee concerned is under quarantine and will be monitored.”