Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the total number of confirmed cases now stands at 169.

“The department of correctional services has recorded three new Covid-19 cases, the individuals involved are officials, as such the total number of positive cases is now at 169. The number of recovery cases remains at 60,” Nxumalo said.  

The total breakdown was given by DCS as follows:  

In the Eastern Cape out of the 101, 36 are officials, 65 are inmates and there have been 58 recoveries. The province also reported two deaths in Correctional Services.

In the Western Cape there are 53 confirmed cases in Correctional Services, with 50 officials, three inmates and a death is under investigation.

Limpopo stands at two confirmed Covid-19 cases, both of officials and with one recovery.  

Gauteng has twelve cases, five are officials and eight are inmates. One official at Pretoria headquarters tested positive and has recovered. 

Earlier on Wednesday, the Presidency revealed that an “essential staff" member has tested positive for Covid-19, but President Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy David Mabuza have not been working from the seat of the South African government, the Union Buildings in Pretoria. 

“In line with government’s guidelines on the management of Covid-19 cases, steps have been taken to secure treatment of the relevant staff member and to provide support to the member’s family. 

"Steps have also been taken to ensure that officials who have contact with the staff member are screened,” the Presidency said in a statement.

“The Presidency’s pandemic task team, established to assist in managing all Covid-19 related matters, proactively initiated a process of disinfection and deep cleaning of all the Presidency facilities. This process commenced on Tuesday.” 

The Presidency said access to the Union Buildings is now limited to exceptional interactions only. 

“The president and deputy president have been working remotely and not from the Union Buildings since the start of lockdown. The Presidency wishes the affected colleague a speedy recovery.” 

On Tuesday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced that the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa had reached 7,572.

South African has also used mass screening and testing to help curb the spread of the virus. With 10,523 new tests completed between Monday and Tuesday, the total number of tests conducted to date stands at 268,064, the statement said. 

African News Agency