File: An undertaker wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) applies a sticker on a casket. AFP/Marco Longari
JOHANNESBURG - Life expectancy in the country has declined for the first time in almost two decades, mainly due to COVID-19.
The pandemic has reduced the country's life expectancy by 3.1 years.
Life expectancy for men has fallen to below 60 years old.
There has also been a 34 percent increase in adult deaths.
According to Stats SA, over 700,000 people died over the last year, as compared to 550,000 the previous year.
More than 67,000 people have died of COVID-19 since the virus reached our shores.
Source
eNCA
