South Africa reported 969 new confirmed coronavirus cases raising the total number of cases in the country to 669,498.
A statement from the Minister of Health Dr. Zweli Mkhize said that the cases were reported from a total of 11,359 tests carried out in the last 24 hours. South Africa has so far carried out more than 4.1 million tests.
Mkhize also reported there were 64 more deaths from the disease raising the death toll to 16,376.
“Regrettably, we report 64 more COVID-19 related deaths: 5 from Eastern Cape, 4 from Kwa-Zulu Natal, 43 from Gauteng, 11 from Mpumalanga, and 1 from Western Cape. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 16 376.”
An additional 2,669 people recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours as the cumulative number of recoveries exceeded the 600,000 mark.
“Our recoveries now stand at 601,818 people which translates to a recovery rate of 89.9%,” Mkhize said.
Last month, President Cyril Rampahosa announced a further easing of its COVID-19 lockdown restrictions so as to reopen more sectors of the economy.
All restrictions on inter-provincial travel, opening of restaurants and bars, and sales of tobacco and alcohol were lifted, while family and social visits were allowed, according to the president.
However, the current restrictions on international travel, gatherings of more than 50 people remained in place, and the National State of Disaster was once again extended.
The relaxations came in the wake of a reduction of COVID-19 cases. Ramaphosa also cautioned South Africans not to let their guard down.
South Africa is the worst-affected country on the continent and is the tenth most affected country globally.
