South Africa’s Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said the number of coronavirus cases in the country has topped 592,144, with 2,258 new coronavirus cases reported on Tuesday, reported Anadolu Agency.
As of Tuesday, the minister said 485,468 people have recovered from the virus so far, which translates to a recovery rate of 82%. The country’s total death toll stands at 12,264.
“Regrettably, we report a further 282 COVID-19 related deaths,” the health minister of South Africa said.
Mkhize added that 66 of the deaths were from the Eastern Cape Province and 89 from Gauteng province, which includes the capital Pretoria and economic hub Johannesburg. 57 deaths were from KwaZulu-Natal Province, three from Northern Cape Province, 13 from Free State Province, 34 from Western Cape Province, and 20 from North West Province.
The minister conveyed condolences to the family and friends of those who died and thanked healthcare workers who treated the deceased.
“The total number of tests conducted to date is 3.4 million, with 14,677 new tests conducted since the last report on Monday,” Mkhize said.
Amid increasing coronavirus numbers, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a further relaxation in lockdown restrictions, including allowing the sales of liquor and cigarettes.
The government has also allowed for the reopening of bars, restaurants, gyms, and places of worship, all limited to no more than 50 people. Schools will reopen gradually starting August 24. But restrictions on international travel as well as a curfew between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. will remain in effect.
South Africa implemented some of the world’s strictest lockdown regulations in March when the country’s orders were shut, schools were closed and people were told to stay at home.
The country started gradually easing restrictions from June 1 to recover from the huge economic losses.
South Africa has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa and the fifth highest number globally, according to US-based Johns Hopkins University.
