Another 1 210 Covid-19 cases have been reported in the country as a new vaccine consignment renews hope of the programme restarting.

The number of deaths linked to the virus rose by 219 people.

The recovery rate is now 93.5%.

The latest update came as hopes rose again for a renewed vaccine programme following the arrival of a consignment of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at OR Tambo International Airport last night.

The AstraZeneca vaccine the country obtained from the Serum Institute of India has been offered to the African Union.

Government spokesperson Phumla Williams said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine had been approved by the SA Health Products Authority, and it would be moved to a secure facility in Gauteng.

It will then be distributed overnight to various vaccine centres countrywide.

The country, which has emerged from its second wave of the virus, has reported 1 494 119 cases and 48 313 deaths.