South Africa recorded 3 221 new Covid-19 infections on Thursday, with 44 more fatalities, taking the death toll to 55 012.

According to a statement by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, the country had now recorded a total of 1 605 252 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

The total number of healthcare workers vaccinated under the Sisonke protocol is 455 169.

Gauteng has the most confirmed active cases, with 6 712, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, with 5 511, and the Free State 4 828.

There have been 1 520 878 recoveries, but the recovery rate has dropped to 94.7%.

To date, 11 010 999 tests have been completed, with 42 073 tests conducted over the past 24 hours, Mkhize said.

Of the 44 new Covid-19-related deaths, two were recorded in the Eastern Cape, 19 in the Free State, 13 in Gauteng, three in KwaZulu-Natal, two in the Northern Cape and five 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.