The Western Cape has reported 563 new cases since Thursday, and still has the highest number of reported cases (7,798) with the Eastern Cape showing a rapid increase to 1,662 cases and overtaking KwaZulu-Natal (1,482) to become the province with the third highest number of confirmed Covid-19 infections. 

Gauteng has the second highest number of infections at 2,210, Free State has 151 confirmed cases while Mpumalanga (67), North West (63), Limpopo (53) and Northern Cape (34) have all maintained a low level of infections since South Africa reported its first Covid-19 case on 5 March. 

With 18,537 tests done in the past 24-hour cycle, the total number of tests has increased to 421,555. 

"Regrettably we report a further nine Covid-19 related deaths - this brings the total national deaths to 247," Minister Zweli Mkhize said in the statement.

"We wish to express our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who cared for the deceased.

"We are however encouraged by the rising number of recoveries which now stands at 6,083." 

South Africa still has the highest confirmed cases of Covid-19 on the African continent, followed by Egypt with 11,228.

African News Agency