South Africa on Friday registered 3,105 infections with more than half of those originating from the Eastern Cape, the health minister in that African country Dr. Zwelini Mkhize  said. 

"Today, we report with concern that the new cases identified in the past 24 hours are 3 105. This gives a cumulative total of COVD-19 cases in South Africa to be 762 763. We wish to highlight that we have reached the 3000 mark for daily new cases. Of these new cases, more than half (54, percent) are from the Eastern Cape. We are also concerned that the positivity is at 12 percent, which is higher than what is ideal, that's 10 percent or less," he said.

The cumulative number of tests conducted to date in South Africa is 5 243 055 with 29 019 new tests conducted since the last report. 

Total Deaths and Recoveries 

Regrettably, 88 more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 67, Free State 15, Gauteng 2, Kwa-Zulu Natal 1 and Western Cape 3. This brings the total to 20 759 deaths. 

"We have noted that the number of new deaths being reported daily in the Eastern Cape is rising as well. We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers that treated the deceased patients. Our recoveries now stand at 707 040 which translates to a recovery rate of 92 percent," he announced.

(With input from Ministry of Health-S. Africa)