South Africa records 555 new COVID-19 deaths

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - South Africa registered 555 new coronavirus deaths that pushed the number of fatalities to 43,105, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said late Thursday.

Mkhize said health workers detected 7,150 new infections that brought the number of cases to 1,437,798 after conducting 48,406 new tests in the last 24-hour cycle.

The minister said total tests conducted since the virus was detected in the country last March stands at 8,156,239.

He said the most affected regions include Kwa-Zulu Natal that lost 249 people, followed by Eastern Cape with 150 deaths and Western Cape which lost 45 people.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased patient,” said Mkhize.

At least 1,272,197 patients have recovered from the deadly respiratory illness representing a recovery rate of 88.3%.

South Africa is currently battling a second wave of the pandemic. The country has the highest number of infections and deaths on the continent and is the 15th most-affected country globally.

Africa’s most developed economy is also currently battling a new variant which is said to be 50% more infectious and has been detected in at least 20 countries.