South Africa recorded 1 676 new Covid-19 infections by Thursday, along with 144 new Covid-19-related deaths.

According to a statement by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, the country recorded a cumulative total of 1 509 124 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

The total number of healthcare workers vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol is 52 647.

KwaZulu-Natal recorded the most confirmed active cases with 9 469, followed by the Free State with 6 618 and the Western Cape with 6 375.

The recovery rate is 94%, with 1 424 401 recoveries recorded.

To date, 8 999 322 tests have been completed, with 31 862 tests conducted in the past 24 hours, Mkhize said.

Mkhize also reported a further 144 confirmed Covid-19-related deaths, of which 41 were recorded in North West, 25 in the Free State, 22 in Limpopo, 14 in Gauteng, 13 in the Western Cape, 10 in KwaZulu-Natal, 10 in Mpumalanga, seven in the Eastern Cape and two in the Northern Cape.

This brings the total to 49 667 deaths.

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