Johannesburg - South Africa now has over 60 000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and over 1 350 deaths, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced on Friday night.
This is an increase of 3 359 cases, taking confirmed positive cases since March to 61 927. Total Covid-19 deaths now sit on 1354.
The latest data released by Mkhize also shows that the Western Cape now has more than 1 000 Covid-19-related deaths, accounting for 74% of all deaths in the country and over 62% of all cases.
Mkhize said officials had now conducted over one million Covid-19 tests, with over 32 000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours.
Friday’s death tally showed that there were 70 more Covid-19 deaths recorded, with 39 of the deceased coming from the Western Cape.
LATEST DEATHS
Western Cape - 39
Eastern Cape - 30
Limpopo - 1
"This brings the total national deaths to 1354 with a mortality rate of 2,2%. We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased," said Mkhize.
He said total recoveries were now at 35 008, translating to a recovery rate of 56.5%. The overwhelming majority of recoveries were in the Western Cape, with about just over 25 000.
The country is currently in Day 78 of the national lockdown which was been eased to alert level three since the start of June, allowing more businesses and alcohol to be sold for the first time since late March.
LATEST BREAKDOWN
Total Cases
Total Deaths
Recoveries
Active Cases
South Africa
61927
1354
35008
25565
Western Cape
38926
1005
25435
12486
Gauteng
8781
57
2948
5776
Eastern Cape
8615
208
4393
4014
KZN
3573
64
1572
1937
North West
865
1
128
736
Free State
435
9
189
237
Limpopo
288
4
175
109
Mpumalanga
243
1
116
126
Northern Cape
138
1
52
85