South Africa Records Second Fatality as Covid-19 Cases Reach 1,280

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize confirmed the second death in South Africa from Covid-19 and announced there are now a total of 1280 cases of Coronavirus COVID-19 in SA, an increase of 93 from the previously reported cases.

“It is with sadness that we announce the second death of a patient who had tested positive for COVID-19,” said Dr Mkhize.

“The 74 year old male had been in ICU and ventilation in a private hospital in Ladysmith. He had travelled to Kruger National Park with his family and came back with flu-like symptoms.

“He was confirmed to be COVID-19 positive on the 27th March 2020.”

Dr Mkhize said it has been reported to the Health Department that the deceased man had an underlying skin cancer condition (melanoma), which had “already complicated”.

The Health Minister said the man’s symptoms had been: respiratory distress, shortness of breath, cardiac failure, decreased saturation and his temperature was above 38 degrees.

The deceased’s family, 14 health workers, including three specialist doctors, who were in contact with him, are now in quarantine and being monitored.

“We express our condolences to the family and we thank the doctors and health workers who looked after the deceased patient until his time of passing,” said Dr Mkhize.

The provincial breakdown is as follows:

GAUTENG – 584

WESTERN CAPE – 310

KWAZULU – NATAL – 167

FREE STATE – 72

NORTH WEST – 6

MPUMALANGA – 11

LIMPOPO – 12

EASTERN CAPE – 12

NORTHERN CAPE – 6

UNALLOCATED – 100

Issued by: Department of Health