As of today, the cumulative number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa is 37 525 the minister of health said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Western Cape has 24 657 confirmed cases, followed by Gauteng with 4 567, the Eastern Cape with 4 526 cases, KwaZulu Natal with 2 707 and Free State with 319 cases. 

The number of infections in North West is 314, Limpopo has reported 200, Mpumalanga 137 and Northern Cape, 93.

"We note the same pattern that drove up the outbreak in Western Cape is building up in the Eastern Cape," the minister said, adding that "the two provinces now consist of 78% of all positive cases." 

"Additional attention is being directed to Eastern Cape to ensure the province can adequately respond to limit escalation of infection." 

He said that a total of 785 979 tests have been processed cumulatively of which 24 445 tests have been conducted since the last report. 

The private and public sector conducted roughly 50 percent of new tests, he said, as 37 more deaths were recorded.

"Regrettably, we report 37 more Covid-19 related deaths."

Seven deaths have been reported in the Eastern Cape, one in KwaZulu-Natal and 29 in Western Cape. "This brings the total national deaths to 792. 

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

With a 52.45 percent recovery rate, the total recoveries to date are 19 682. 

Age distribution of deaths shows that the highest numbers recorded are in the 50- to 59-year and the 60- to 69-year groups. The gender distribution is roughly the same with more men succumbing to the disease, the minister said.