Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has wrapped up his Q&A with doctors in Pretoria.

Here are some key points from the discussion:

– Mkhize estimates about 60%-70% of people in South Africa will contract the coronavirus, but only about 20% of those will be serious cases;

– He believes the number of positive cases will shoot up to more than 200 by Friday morning;

– He said thousands of South Africans would need to be tested per day, saying that the country’s capacity was about 5 000 per day. This will increase to 15 000 by next week, and to more than 30 000 by mid-April;

– Mkhize said the government will need to go out to poorer areas to monitor people, and to test people. This will circumvent expensive medical costs;

– The medical fraternity raised concerns of primary healthcare facilities struggling to keep up with the number of people who want coronavirus tests. They have also said employers are refusing to allow employees to return to work without negative coronavirus tests. Doctors also said they have a lack of protective clothing.

– Compiled by Kerushun Pillay

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