The number of confirmed infections rose to 709 on Wednesday.

Two patients are currently in ICU in private hospitals.

Three doctors -- one in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Free State -- have tested positive.

Mkhize said there are no fatalities and that all patients are improving.

He said the largest number of scattered cases are in Johannesburg. In the Western Cape, scattered cases are around Cape Town.

Mkhize says the health department will increase testing facilities, but there will be strict criteria as to who can get tested.

"We test those with a history of symptoms and a history of contact and travel," he said.

Mkhize urged South Africans to abide by the lockdown rules, social distancing and hygienic measures.

Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999 from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday

Help protect your loved ones by sharing this official South African government COVID-19 service with your family, friends and community.

Send HI to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp.

The NICD has another Clinician Hotline to improve #COVID19 communication and support for healthcare providers. The Clinician Hotline is 0800 11 1131, operating 24 hrs. The Public Hotline is 0800 029 999 also operating 24hrs.

eNCA