Key statistics as at May 12, data from National Institute For Communicable Diseases, NICD
The total number of confirmed cases = 11,350
The total number of tests so far = 369,697
Total death toll = 206
Total recoveries = 4,357
Most impacted provinces = Guateng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Kwa Zulu-Natal
May 12: US donates ventilators
The U.S. government is donating “up to 1,000” ventilators to South Africa to help the country respond to COVID-19 as the Trump administration addresses criticism that it hasn’t done enough for countries in need.
“South Africa is the first country in the world to receive this state-of-the-art equipment” from the National Security Council and USAID, the U.S. Embassy said in a tweet.
The donation brings the total U.S. government financial support to South Africa’s COVID-19 response to more than $41 million, according to the statement.
Meanwhile, president Ramaphosa has had a busy last 24 hours with a phone call with President Donald Trump during which the American leader pledged support for South Africa in the fight against the virus.
READ MORE: Mboweni on Ramaphosa’s new tax measures
April 23: SA scores WHO praise
A top World Health Organization official has hailed steps taken by South Africa to curb spread of the virus despite being the second most impacted country on the countinent – only behind Egypt as of April 23.