COVID-19 Update

21 April 2020

As at today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa is 3 465.
The total number of tests conducted to date is 126 937, of which 5427 were done in the last 24 hours.

The provincial breakdown is as follows:

EASTERN CAPE VISIT
Today we visited the Eastern Cape where we have observed a rapid rise in the number of
confirmed cases and this raised a concern. The biggest risk of spread that has been
identified is the cultural practices occurring at funerals. We engaged with the provincial
executive led by Premier Oscar Mabuyane together with the Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba.

We immediately took a decision to urgently deploy more medical experts including senior
epidemiologists, analysts and field consultants to reinforce the provincial team, led by Dr
Kerrigan McCarthy from the NICD. We are also pleased that the World Health Organisation
has also assisted us by deploying more clinicians and experts.

We have also deployed senior officials from the National Department of Health to do a
proper audit of the available personal protective equipment and other requirements. This is
to ensure the safety and adequate protection of our health workers who are at the forefront.
We reiterate that no health worker should be exposed to the risk of infection. They must all
be adequately trained on the infection prevention and control (IPC) and be protected at all
times.

Dr Zwelini Mkhize
Minister of Health