Covid-19: SA records 18 555 new infections and 806 new deaths

• As of Wednesday, 13 January, South Africa recorded a total of 1 278 303 confirmed Covid-19 cases.
• 18 555 new cases have been recorded in the past 24 hours.
• 806 new Covid-19-related fatalities have been recorded, taking the death toll to 35 140.

South Africa recorded 18 555 new Covid-19 infections by Wednesday, along with 806 new Covid-19-related deaths, taking the confirmed death toll to 35 140.

According to a statement by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, as of Wednesday, the country recorded a total of 1 278 303 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Gauteng remains the most affected province with 27.1% of the total confirmed cases, which translates to 346 482 cases. KwaZulu-Natal has recorded 264 532 confirmed cases to date, the Western Cape 248 339 cases and the Eastern Cape 183 594 cases.

To date, 7 358 741 tests have been completed, with 71 681 tests conducted in the past 24 hours, Mkhize said.

KwaZulu-Natal recorded the most active confirmed cases with 69 599, followed by Gauteng with 47 919 and the Western Cape with 42 473.

Mkhize also reported a further 806 Covid-19-related deaths, of which 150 were recorded in the Eastern Cape, 24 in the Free State, 211 in Gauteng, 235 in KwaZulu-Natal, 14 in Limpopo, 14 in Mpumalanga, seven in the Northern Cape and 151 in the Western Cape. This brings the total deaths to 35 140.

"We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased," Mkhize said.

The country recorded a total of 1 030 930 recoveries (80.6%) as of Wednesday.

Gauteng, as the most affected province in terms of total confirmed cases, recorded 291 957 recoveries, with the Western Cape at 197 224 recoveries.