"We understand it is becoming a challenge to many other countries," the minister said.

"We are, however, continuing our efforts to secure these reagents from different suppliers all over the world."

Testing is crucial in containing the spread of the virus as it allows identification of cases, immediate isolation and treatment for those who are positive, as well as tracing and isolating those with whom the infected people have come into contact, experts say.

The minister said in his statement that 605,991 tests have been conducted to date with 9,214 tests done in the past 24-hour testing cycle.

Case data shows that the Western Cape still has the highest infections with 15,829 confirmed cases, followed by Gauteng with 3,043, Eastern Cape with 2,864, KwaZulu-Natal with 1,927, Free State (206), Limpopo (132), North West (115), Mpumalanga (103) and Northern Cape with 45.

The minister earlier on Tuesday, in addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), dismissed assertions that the Western Cape had been more efficient at testing than others and said it had moreover fallen short on tracing contacts of the more than 15,000 cases within its borders. 

Nationally, 44,042 contacts have been identified and 93 percent have been traced. However, he said, in the Western Cape the percentage was 83 percent, the lowest of all provinces, he told the NCOP.

The minister also said in his statement that 43 more deaths had been reported.

"Regrettably, we report 43 more Covid-19 related deaths, this brings the total national deaths to 524. 

"We wish to express our condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and thank the healthcare workers who treated these patients. 

"As of today, the total number of recoveries stands at 12,741, which translates to a 53% recovery rate," Mkhize said.

African News Agency