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COVID-19: Bleak milestone as global cases reach 10-million mark
Since the first case was confirmed in late 2019, COVID-19 cases have risen to over 10 million worldwide.
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The number of COVID-19 cases worldwide has hit 10 million, according to official figures issued out on Sunday.
The first confirmed cases of the novel virus were recorded towards the end of 2019, with numerous patients displaying pneumonia-like symptoms in Wuhan, China.
The coronavirus has since spread across the globe, claiming over a half-a-million lives in less than a year.
Global COVID-19 cases on Sunday, 28 June
As of Sunday afternoon (SAST) global coronavirus cases stood just above 10,1 million confirmed cases.
Leading the pack is the United States, which has seen over 2,5 million infections, with close to 100 000 fatalities.
The only other country to have hit the one-million mark in terms of confirmed cases is Brazil, currently approaching 1,5 million infections.
The South American country has registered 57 149 deaths, placing it far above the likes of China and Italy, who emerged as the trailblazers in terms of fatalities earlier in the year.
With over a half a million cases, India has seen the highest daily increase out of every nation that has issued out an update on Sunday, with 9 112 infections reported over the past 24 hours.
South Africa among the heaviest-hit nations
As of Saturday 27 June, South Africa also reported an eyebrow-raising figure in terms of new cases.
Now at just above 132 000 confirmed cases, the country was propelled to the figure by its highest daily increase to date, with 7 210 cases recorded during the last 24-hour period.
This is accompanied by a total of 2 413 deaths, which sees the country take up second place in Africa, following closely behind Egypt with 2 708 fatalities behind Egypt.
Extremely concerning for South Africa is Gauteng’s emergence as the coronavirus hotspot in the country after sporting the most active cases, overtaking the Western Cape during the space of a week.
The county’s highest populated province now has a jaw-dropping 26 573 active cases, well above the Western Cape’s 17 143 infections.
In terms of deaths, Gauteng is however third in the country after 166 fatalities, with the Western and the Cape recording more.
National health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize is expected to give out another update on South Africa’s COVID-19 situation before the end of the day on Sunday.
