South Africa recorded 85 more Covid-19-related deaths by Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 18 741.

The cumulative number of detected Covid-19 cases is 708 359, with 2 055 new cases reported in the past 24 hours.

Of the 85 deaths new fatalities reported, eight occurred in the past 48 hours.

"We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers that treated the deceased patients," Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said in a statement on Wednesday evening.

The cumulative number of tests conducted to date is 4 607 883, with 26 537 new tests conducted since the last report.

Recoveries are now 641 706, which translates to a recovery rate of 90%.