East London – Nearly 80% of confirmed Covid-19 cases are from the Western and Eastern Cape and 90% of deaths have been reported in both provinces.
The Department of Health said the same pattern that drove the outbreak in the Western Cape is developing in the Eastern Cape.
The department will now focus its attention on the province to limit the escalation of infections.
37 more Covid-19 related deaths have been reported, 29 of those were in the Western Cape while the seven were in the Eastern Cape and one from KZN.
Nurses’unions said shortages of protective gear are putting Eastern Cape health workers at risk of contracting the virus.
Dr Thobile Mbengashe from the Eastern Cape Health Department said what they’re experiencing is severe community anxiety.
He said that healthcare workers should follow all the protocols put in place to safeguard them, including the use of PPE and adequate hygiene procedures.
Residents in the Eastern Cape have been affected by water shortages, which raises concerns about hygiene.
