COVID-19 latest: Cases spike by 785, nine more deaths reported

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced on Friday 15 May that South Africa’s COVID-19 caseload had increase by 785 since Thursday, the most on a single day to date. The total now stands at 13 524.

Deaths increased by nine, bringing the total number of people to have lost their lives to the virus to 247.

In terms of recoveries, 6 083 people have now overcome the illness, with 421 555 tests completed in total. In the last 24-hours, 18 537 tests were completed.

Provincial breakdown 

The following confirmed COVID-19 cases have been detected in each province as of Thursday: 

• Gauteng – 2 210  cases;
• Western Cape – 7 798 cases; 
• KwaZulu-Natal – 1 482 cases; 
• Free State – 151 cases; 
• Eastern Cape – 1 662 cases; 
• Limpopo – 57 cases; 
• Mpumalanga – 67 cases; 
• North West – 63 cases; 
• Northern Cape – 34 cases; and 
• Unknown – 0 cases.

The Western Cape has now recorded 137 deaths and 2 857 recoveries. The province remains the domestic epicentre of the virus.

“We express our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who cared for the deceased,” said Mkhize. “We are however encouraged by the rising number of recoveries.”

This is a developing story.