“Today we regrettably report 10 new deaths. This brings the total to 75. We convey our condolences to the families of the deceased and thank our health workers who treated the deceased patients,” Mkhize said in a statement.

Thursday’s latest statistics indicated that six people had died in the Western Cape, two in KwaZulu-Natal, one in Gauteng and another in the Eastern Cape province. 

Mkhize also announced on Thursday that the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa had increased considerably to 3,953.

“There are 318 new confirmed Covid-19 cases, with the total number of confirmed cases at 3,953,” Mkhize said.

Of the 318 cases, at least 200 had been recorded in the Western Cape province on Thursday, followed by KwaZulu Natal with a distant 49, and the Eastern Cape, which registered 40 cases.

“It is also notable that today the Western Cape has surpassed Gauteng’s confirmed cases and now has the highest number of Covid-19 positive cases in the country. A further analysis is being done as we are observing outbreak clusters in the Western Cape. 

"This means that a large number of people who operate and interact in the same area e.g., factories, shopping centres are testing positive,” Mkhize said.

“Today, the Northern Cape, Limpopo and Free State do not have any new cases. Furthermore, we have seen the number of these province’s confirmed cases not increasing. This also illustrates the effectiveness of their positive patients’ treatment and management.”

The Western Cape now has a total of 1,279 confirmed cases, while Gauteng is has 1,252 cases.

African News Agency (ANA)