The document summarizes South Africa's current COVID-19 situation as of May 16th, providing case numbers and testing data by province. It notes that the Eastern Cape and Western Cape account for 91% of the 831 new cases. The death toll has risen to 259 with 6478 recoveries to date. The Minister of Health thanks South Africans for their efforts in flattening the curve and preparing the healthcare system. He outlines WHO recommendations for easing lockdown restrictions, including controlled transmission, adequate healthcare capacity, preventive measures in place, and empowered communities adjusting to the new normal. The Director General of WHO warns that countries risk returning to lockdown if the transition out is not carefully managed in a phased approach.

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Media Release
16 May 2020
As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa is 14 355 with
831 new cases identified in the last 24 hour cycle of testing.
Case Data
The Eastern Cape and Western Cape combined comprise 91% of the new 831 cases.
Province Total cases for 16 May 2020 Percentage total
Eastern Cape 1812 12,6
Free State 153 1,1
Gauteng 2262 15,8
KwaZulu-Natal 1498 10,4
Limpopo 59 0,4
Mpumalanga 68 0,5
North West 64 0,4
Northern Cape 35 0,2
Western Cape 8404 58,5
Unknown 0 0,0
Total 14355 100,0

2. Testing Data
439 559 tests have been conducted with 18 004 done in the last 24 hour cycle.
Reported Deaths and Recoveries
Regrettably we report a further 14 COVID-19 related deaths- this brings the total national
deaths to 259
We wish to express our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health
care workers who cared for the deceased
The total number of recoveries to date is 6478.
Sector Total Tested New tested
Private 213 172 48,5% 6391 35,5%
Public 226 387 51,5% 11613 64,5%
Grand Total 439 559 18 004
Province Deaths Recoveries
Eastern Cape 32 746
Free State 6 108
Gauteng 25 1583
KwaZulu Natal 45 806
Limpopo 3 37
Mpumalanga 0 49
North West 1 28
Northern Cape 0 24
Western Cape 149 3097
Total 261 6478

3. WHO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY FOR EASING “LOCK-
DOWN” RESTRICTIONS
I am sure many South Africans are eagerly looking forward to a return to normality, albeit a
“new normal.”
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your tenacity,
stoicism and true partnership with government. Together we succeeded in flattening the
curve, which facilitated ramping up and cohesion of our health care system as well as
preparation of our spaces as we resume our economic and social development.
A few examples is that we have screened 10 737 341 citizens, we now have 376 sites iden-
tified for quarantine nationally with 30 823 quarantine beds. Significantly our mortality rate,
1.8%, remains well below the global average which is currently 6.6% and our recovery rate
is 42.4%, above the global average of 38%.
The process of easing lockdown regulations is a highly consultative one where various
stakeholder inputs are taken into account to influence implementation.
We remain guided by the World Health Organization recommendations for easing lockdown
restrictions, which are:
1. Strong surveillance, cases are declining and transmission is controlled
2. Health systems capacity is in place to detect, isolate, test and treat every case and
trace very contact
3. That outbreak risks are minimized especially in settings like facilities and nursing homes
4. That preventive measures are in place in workplaces, schools and other places that are
essential for people to go
5. That importation of cases can be managed
6. That communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to adjust to the new
norm
The Director General of WHO Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus continued by saying: "The risk of re-
turning to lockdown remains very real if countries do not manage the transition extremely
carefully and in a phased approach.”
Dr Zwelini Mkhize
Minister of Health
Ends…