Covid-19 cases saw a steady increase this week with a total of 5 668 new cases recorded over the past five days.

Wednesday saw the biggest increase of the week with 1 569 new cases recorded, while Monday recorded only 744 cases.

As of Thursday, 22 April, the country’s cumulative cases total 1 571 348 with 1 496 756 recoveries, representing a recovery rate of 95%.

A total of 284 Covid-19 related deaths were reported this week, with 130 recorded on Tuesday, 20 April. Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize said the large number of deaths was attributed to some provinces conducting data verification at facilities to ensure all Covid-19 related deaths not reported, are reported.

On Monday, Mkhize continued his nationwide tour to assess the readiness of provinces to rollout Covid-19 vaccines, in the Western Cape.

The mass vaccination campaign is expected to begin on 17 May and Mkhize said he hopes this will happen at an anticipated rate required to achieve population immunity by the first quarter of 2022. “I have now completed three provincial visits, and, so far, feel satisfied that Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Western Cape understand the requirements and have the inclination to rise to the occasion,” he said.

Referring to the quarterly delivery schedule, Mkhize said that should the manufacturers stick to their delivery commitments, 46.2 million South Africans will be vaccinated by the end of March 2022.

He also called on South Africans to assist their family, friends and neighbours who are 60 years and older to register on the Electronic Vaccination Data System online.

Gauteng remains the province with the highest number of total cases with 420 908, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 336 020 cases.