Durban - The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa has increased to 24 264. Forty-three more deaths have been reported, bringing the number of Covid-19-related deaths to 524.
On Tuesday, the Health Ministry announced that 649 more people had tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours.
"As of today, the total number of recoveries stands at 12 741, which translates to a 53% recovery rate," Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said.
"A total of 605 991 tests have been conducted to date with 9 214 tests done in last past 24
hour testing cycle.
As a country we are now facing a challenge with the global shortage of testing reagents. We
understand it is becoming a challenge to many other countries.
We are, however, continuing our efforts to secure these reagents from different suppliers all
over the world," Mkhize said.
On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that places of worship will be allowed to open, with restrictions, when South Africa eases into Level 3 lockdown on June 1.
The president's announcement came after a meeting of the National Coronavirus Command Council which considered the inputs made by the religious sector in recent consultations with interfaith leaders.
He cautioned that all efforts must be made to ensure the safety of congregants and that the wearing of masks was compulsory.
Globally, 5,627,822 people have tested positive for Covid-19 with 348,919 deaths and 2,396,911 recoveries.
* For the latest on the Covid-19 outbreak, visit IOL's special #Coronavirus page.
** If you think you have been exposed to the Covid-19 virus, please call the 24-hour hotline on 0800 029 999 or visit sacoronavirus.co.za