Update on Covid-19 (19th October 2020)

Media Statement
19 October 2020

As of today, the cumulative number of detected COVID-19 cases is 705 254 with 1 461 new cases identified since the last report.

The cumulative number of tests conducted to date is 4 565 980 with 16 502 new tests conducted since the last report.

Total Deaths and Recoveries
Yesterday, we reported a cumulative total of 3 176 deaths for KwaZulu-Natal. We wish to correct this.
This was a typographical error which occurred when the total number was recorded, following verification.

We therefore confirm that yesterday’s total number of deaths for KwaZulu Natal was 3 136. This means the total number of deaths nationally for 18 October 2020 was 18 431.

We apologise for this error.

Regrettably, we report 61 COVID-19 related deaths today: 21 from Eastern Cape, 19 from the Free State, 3 from Gauteng, 1 from Mpumalanga 6 from Northern Cape, 8 from Western Cape and 3 from KwaZulu Natal.

This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 18 492.

Of the 61 deaths reported today, 11 were reported to have occurred in the past 24-48 hours: 3 in Gauteng, 1 in Mpumalanga and 7 in the Western Cape.

We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers that treated the deceased patients.

Our recoveries now stand at 635 257 which translates to a recovery rate of 90%

Dr Zwelini Mkhize
Minister of Health
ENDS