"As we know, one of the ways coronavirus is transferred, is by hands that have come into contact with contaminated surfaces, objects or areas of the body. 

"To echo the sentiments of our honourable President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed us from KwaZulu-Natal today, the Covid-19 outbreak is giving us an opportunity, as humanity, to review our way of life and take forward all the important lessons we are learning into a new future," he said. 

"Washing hands saves lives. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser. 

South Africa has also used mass screening and testing to help curb the spread of the virus. With 10,523 new tests completed in the past 24 hours, the total number of tests conducted to date stands at 268,064. 

However, the Western Cape has still recorded the highest number of confirmed cases with 3,609 followed by Gauteng with 1,697, KZN with 1,142, Eastern Cape with 838 and Free State at 128. 

All other provinces have remained below 100, with Mpumalanga recording 57 confirmed cases, Limpopo 40, North West 35 and Northern Cape 26.

"Regrettably, we report 10 more Covid-19 related deaths - seven from Western Cape, one from Eastern Cape, one from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and one from Gauteng. This brings the total deaths nationally to 148," the minister said. 

The provincial breakdown is as follows: Eastern Cape 18, Free State 6, Gauteng 15, KwaZulu-Natal 36, Limpopo 2, Western Cape 71. Mpumalanga, North West and Northern Cape have not recorded any Covid-19 deaths to date.

"We wish to express our condolences to the families of the deceased and thank the healthcare workers who treated these patients," Mkhize said in the statement. 

African News Agency