As of Tuesday 15 September, there are 651,521 cases of the coronavirus on home soil. However, Mkhize said that number could be dramatically higher.

In a statement, the minister said: “Interestingly, the revised models currently predict that there are probably about 12 million South Africans in total (detected and undetected) infected with coronavirus - this translates to about 20% of the population.”

“We are currently embarking on a national seroprevalence study which should take us closer to the actual seroprevalence of Coronavirus antibodies and will give us a more accurate indication of our status of national immunity,” Mkhize added.

The minister also said the country had seen a decline in the number of infections, which he attributed to citizens adhering to non-pharmaceutical interventions. These include practicing social distancing, using sanitisers, and wearing face masks.

Mkhize said the country has shown that with concerted effort and solidarity, it was possible to beat the coronavirus.

“However, I must continue to advise caution as we move towards the new normal: if we are to maintain this status quo of low transmission rates we must continue to concentrate on the simple things that keep the coronavirus at bay - washing or sanitising hands at every opportunity, maintaining a safe distance between each other, regular cleaning and sanitisation of surfaces we come into contact with and wearing of masks whenever we are in public spaces,” he added.

Mkhize has also reminded South Africans that a resurgence of the virus is still a possibility and that it might even be worse than the first wave of infections.

“Most importantly we must encourage and remind one another that these simple interventions remain an important part of our new lives,” he said.

The South African