This, as the total number of confirmed positive cases in the province now stands at 54 881, with 40 473 recoveries and 877 deaths. The department further confirms 157 cases were identified in the last 24 hours. MEC Madoda Sambatha says health facilities in the province are overwhelmed as the number of new Covid-19 infections and related deaths continue to escalate. Whilst Sambatha has conveyed condolences to the families who have lost loved ones due to the virus, he has appealed to residents to refrain from attending funerals in their numbers, to maintain a safe social distance and to wear a mask.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has also made a clearing call to all South Africans to comply with all Covid-19 lockdown guidelines.

Delivering a virtual State of the World Address to the World Economic Forum Davos Dialogues earlier on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the world is clearly facing a common threat and must act together to address the health and economic challenges posed by the virus.

OFM News