{"id":409539,"date":"2020-06-22T09:58:14","date_gmt":"2020-06-22T07:58:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=409539"},"modified":"2020-06-22T09:58:14","modified_gmt":"2020-06-22T07:58:14","slug":"south-africas-coronavirus-epicentre-is-nearing-its-peak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/trending\/409539\/south-africas-coronavirus-epicentre-is-nearing-its-peak\/","title":{"rendered":"South Africa’s coronavirus epicentre is nearing its peak"},"content":{"rendered":"

South Africa’s Covid-19 epicentre<\/span> “will experience its peak soon”, according to Western Cape premier, Alan Winde, citing epidemiological models.<\/p>\n

As the country closes in on another coronavirus related milestone of 100,000 infections this week, the Western Cape, and Cape Town specifically, continues to be hardest hit.<\/p>\n

Already, that region has surpassed 50,000 infections, more than half of the country’s total (52.9%), while the region accounts for 1,419 out of 1,930 total deaths to date.<\/p>\n

On Sunday evening, the Western Cape accounted for 27 new deaths over a 24-hour period. Total active cases – currently infected patients – stands at 13,109, and encouragingly, the region reports 35,559 recoveries.<\/p>\n

Preparing for the peak<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Some epidemiological models, including the National Covid-19 Epi Model (NCEM) which is relied on by the national government for forecasting, have estimated that the province will experience its peak soon.<\/p>\n

“While we cannot pinpoint the exact date at which we will reach this peak, we are experiencing increased pressure in our hospitals,” Winde said.<\/p>\n

“At the same time, the economy is opening up further, with personal care services re-opening this weekend and other sectors expected to open soon. Now is therefore the time to be extra vigilant to slow the spread,” he said.<\/p>\n

National cases<\/strong><\/p>\n

On Sunday evening, health minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize noted that the cumulative number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country is 97,302.<\/p>\n

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As of today, the cumulative number of confirmed #COVID19<\/a> cases is 97 302, total number of deaths is 1930 and the total number of recoveries is 51 608. pic.twitter.com\/1cbPXLgVRr<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) June 21, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n