South Africa recorded 655 new Covid-19 infections by Monday and 34 new Covid-19-related deaths, taking the confirmed death toll to 53 356.

According to a statement by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, as of Monday, the country recorded a total of 1 559 113 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

The total number of healthcare workers vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol is 289 787.

By Monday, KwaZulu-Natal recorded the most confirmed active cases with 5 923, followed by the Western Cape with 4 968 and the Northern Cape with 3 130.

The recovery rate is 95% and 1 484 356 recoveries have been recorded.

To date, 10 154 978 tests have been completed, with 16 042 tests conducted in the 24 hours to Monday evening, Mkhize said.

Mkhize also reported a further 34 Covid-19-related deaths, of which 14 were recorded in the Eastern Cape, nine in the Western Cape, six in Mpumalanga, three in the Free State, one in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal.

This brings the total to 53 356 confirmed deaths.

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