According to the NICD statistics dated 13 August 2020, the province has recorded 62 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing its total to 476. The province has also recorded an increase of 471 new confirmed coronavirus cases, with the total being 30 049. The total number of recoveries has increased from 14 522 on 12 August to 14 911 on 13 August.

This comes after the premier, Sisi Ntombela, and Health MEC, Montsheng Tsiu, launched a new COVID-19 ward with a total of 160 beds at the Universitas Hospital in Bloemfontein on Thursday. During the launch, Ntombela announced that the department will soon launch similar projects at the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein and Bongani Hospital in Welkom.

The ward called “Tumelo”, which translates to "Hope", has 103 beds equipped to provide oxygen for patients who might need it. The remainder of the beds offers high care for seriously ill patients. Ntombela further stated that the province will soon also officially open the doors to a field hospital to be established at the Bloemfontein Showgrounds. “Phase 1 of the field hospital will accommodate 936 beds, while upon full completion, we anticipate to have 4 252 beds available at this field hospital,” she said.

OFM News