Western Cape records 11 Covid-19 deaths and over 500 new cases in a single day

The Western Cape said it had recorded 4 584 Covid-19 infections, 1 518 recoveries, 2 979 active cases and conducted 53 476 tests. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane African News Agency/ANA

The Western Cape said it had recorded 4 584 Covid-19 infections, 1 518 recoveries, 2 979 active cases and conducted 53 476 tests. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane African News Agency/ANA

Published May 8, 2020

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Cape Town - The Western Cape has recorded 11 more Covid-19 deaths, bringing the total number in the province to 87.

As of 1pm on May 8, the province said it had recorded 4 584 Covid-19 infections, from which there were 1 518 recoveries in the province. 

This means there there were 2 979 active cases (those who were currently infected). As of Friday, the province had also conducted 53 476 tests.

The national Department of Health figures for the Western Cape differ from those announced by Premier Winde daily because the national figures are compiled from data supplied before the provincial figures are announced.

Picture:  Western Cape Government Dashboard

 

"We are also deeply saddened to announce the death of a Tygerberg Hospital nurse, Ntombizakithi Ngidi. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and her colleagues at this time and we honour her service to the people of this province," Winde said.

"This is the second nurse we have lost to Covid-19 in the province- following the death last week of Petronella Benjamin, who was one day away from her retirement. We ask every person in our country to keep them in our thoughts during this most difficult time."

He added that seeing as next week is International Nurses Day, the province will honour these two women for their commitment and their care.

"All of our healthcare workers are heroes on the frontlines, and we thank them for their selflessness and their commitment during this pandemic.

"Each and every death should be a stark reminder of the role we all have to play in flattening this curve so that we can protect our healthcare workers, and all of our vulnerable, elderly or sick residents," he said.

Every person has a role to play:

 

"As both President Ramaphosa and Professor Salim Abdool Karim have made clear, Covid-19 will continue to spread across South Africa and cannot be stopped. The lockdown and subsequent restrictions have allowed us time to prepare, and to flatten the curve, but many people in South Africa will be infected," he said.

"We are working around the clock to make sure that we are prepared for the peak that will still come. But we cannot do it alone. We need the help of every single person in the Western Cape. 

"We need to stay home, follow the golden rules of hygiene at all times, and gatherings wherever possible. Please wear a cloth mask properly whenever you leave the house, and maintain a good distance from all other people at all times. By doing this, you are helping us save lives," Winde said.

Cape Argus

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