South Africa on Monday recorded 2 383 new COVID-19 cases, with a positivity rate of 10.2%.
The country now has 1 637 848 cummulative cases since the outbreak, amid concerns of the looming third wave.
Furthermore, 72 more people succumbed to the respiratory disease on Monday, pushing the death toll to 55 874.
Of the new deaths, 21 occurred in the Free State, 13 each in Limpopo and the Western Cape, seven in Gauteng, and six each in Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape.
“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased patients,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.
According to Mkhize, 1 541 250 patients have recovered since the outbreak, while the country has 40 724 active cases.
“The number of tests conducted to date is 11 378 282. Of these, 23 352 tests were conducted since the last report.”
The total number of those vaccinated under the Sisonke Study now stands at 479 768, up from 480 665 that was previously reported.
“As we indicated, the teams undertook data verification processes over the weekend in preparation for the finalisation of a public-facing live dashboard. The number reflected today is a result of this process, which removed duplications and vaccinations assigned incorrectly to Sisonke,” the Minister explained.
In addition, 171 860 people have already received their Pfizer vaccine under phase two of the country’s vaccination rollout programme.
As of 24 May 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said there are 166 860 081 confirmed global COVID-19 cases, 3 459 996 deaths and 1 489 727 128 administered vaccine doses. – SAnews.gov.za
