The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa on Wednesday increased to 18,003, with a further 27 new deaths, the Department of Health announced.
In a statement, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said that the total number of deaths stood at 339, which included a two-day-old baby.
“Sadly, we have recorded the first neonatal mortality related to COVID-19- this was a two-day-old baby that was born prematurely and therefore had lung difficulties which required ventilation support immediately after birth,” Mkhize said.
“The mother had tested positive for COVID-19 and the child subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 as well. It is important to appreciate the complexities of the underlying condition of prematurity. We extend a special word of comfort to the mother of this child and salute the neonatologists, nurses, and all allied and technical personnel who had the difficult task of caring for the neonate to the end,” he added.
A total of 505,861 tests were conducted with 18,252 done in the last 24-hour cycle. The total number of recoveries to date stood at 8,950.
More Stories
Archbishop Desmond Tutu Urges People To Get Vaccinated
Tertiary Institutions’ Year To Start After Release Of Matric Results
No Proof That Vaccines Effective Against New Variant – Karim
Promising Signs As SA records 9 010 New Covid-19 Cases
Extend The Curfew From 11pm – CoCT
Lockdown Criminal Records To Be Expunged But Not Yet
COVID-19 Negatively Impacting Eskom
12 267 New COVID-19 Cases Recorded In SA
Eskom Announces Stage 2 Load Shedding Will Continue
Eskom Forecast Indicates Risk Of Load-Shedding For Months
SA Records 13 973 New COVID-19 Cases
Unions Say KZN Hospitals Are Coping