As we have seen in past months when reporting on COVID-19 in South Africa, the number of daily infections and fatalities usually rises as the week progresses. This week, however, sees a significant surge in the number of deaths over the past 24 hours, with 268 being reported.

While we had initially thought this sharp rise was down to the ongoing audit that the National Department of Health (NDoH) is under, a note from the organisation says only a small number has been added over the past 48 hours.

“Today, the NDoH reports 268 deaths and of these, 20 occurred in the past 24 – 48 hours. This brings the total fatalities to 96,289 to date,” it said in an accompanying message with the latest daily report and infographic.

As such, it remains to be seen if these deaths are Omicron related or remnants of the Delta variant of the virus.

Looking at the other key figures in the report, the past 24 hours has seen 2 824 cases reported, as the total number of infections to date has risen to 3 626 014. The NDoH also notes that the recovery rate has increased slightly to 96.2 percent.

As for the vaccine rollout, which has become more important if we are to stave off fatalities and the impact of future waves of infection, 65 449 jabs have been administered over the past day. As of 17:00 on 8th February 2022, a total of 30 325 638 vaccines have been administered.

The full outlook for COVID-19 in South Africa follows on below:

• COVID-19 Connect on WhatsApp – add 0600 123 456 as a contact and say “Hi”.
• World Health Organisation
• SA Coronavirus website
• SA Government
• SA Presidency

[Image – Photo by Guido Hofmann on Unsplash]