EASTERN CAPE NEWS - Eastern Cape MEC for Health, Nomakhosazana Meth, announced that experts from the National Department of Health, with the support of World Health Organisation (WHO) experts, have started investigating the excessive Covid mortality rate in the province.
Despite the slight decline in the number of Covid-19 deaths, the mortality rate in the province remained high and is a cause for concern.
During a media briefing on Wednesday 11 August, Meth said that the high mortality rate among those infected with Covid-19 in the rural districts such as Sarah Baartman, Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi is particularly concerning.
An investigation into the high mortality rate conducted by the Eastern Cape Department of Health revealed that the majority of patients arrived at health facilities too late for treatment.
It was also established that about 40% of the deceased had comorbidities and died in casualty wards or within 48 hours of being admitted.
Meth emphasised that the Department of Health is ready to provide care to those at risk who present themselves at health facilities early enough for treatment.She confirmed that the number of deaths due to Covid-19 in the Eastern Cape amounted to 13 036 and that the province recorded 178 deaths per 100 000 people.
The number of deaths due to Covid-19 in the Dr Beyers Naude municipal area increased from 220 (Graaff-Reinet: 170) on 10 August to 223 (Graaff-Reinet: 172) on 15 August.
Covid-19 cases for the period of 12 August to 17 August is summarised as follows:
12 August
- New cases reported: 55
- Active cases: 491
- (Graaff-Reinet: 346), Aberdeen (8), Adendorp (4), Asherville (52), Kroonvale (128), Santaville (31), Selfbou (8), Spandauville (3), Sunnyside(6), Thembalesizwe (3), Umasizakhe (28), and Graaff-Reinet town (74).
15 August
- New cases reported: 67
- Active cases: 379
- (Graaff-Reinet: 264), Aberdeen (3), Adendorp (5), Asherville (52), Kroonvale (89), Selfbou (2), Spandauville (3), Umasizakhe (33) and Graaff-Reinet town (60).
17 August
- New cases reported: 84
- Active cases: 462
- (Graaff-Reinet: 321) Aberdeen (5), Adendorp (4), Asherville (102), Kroonvale (94), Selfbou (2), Spandauville (3), Steytlerville (3), Sunnyside(4), Umasizakhe (28), Graaff-Reinet town (64).
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