South Africa recorded 1 422 new Covid-19 infections by Wednesday 31 March, along with 58 more Covid-19-related deaths, taking the death toll to 52 846.

In a statement on Wednesday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said the country recorded a total of 1 548 157 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Gauteng has  414 261 cases, which amounts to 26.8% of the total. KwaZulu-Natal has recorded 334 027 cases, the Western Cape has had 282 830 cases and the Eastern Cape has had 195 425 cases.

KwaZulu-Natal has the most active cases (5 519), followed by the Western Cape's 5 125 cases and the Northern Cape's 2 585.

The recovery rate stands 95% and 1 474 319 recoveries have been recorded.

To date, 9 879 348 tests have been completed, with 34 513 tests conducted in the past 24 hours, Mkhize said.

Of the 58 deaths, one was recorded in the Free State, 23 in Gauteng, 23 in KwaZulu-Natal, two in the Northern Cape and nine in the Western Cape.

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

The number of healthcare workers vaccinated under the Sisonke protocol is 263 878.