SA's Covid-19 infections rise to 785 139, with total reported deaths now 21 439 - Mkhize

• Covid-19 cases continue to rise with Health Minister Zweli Mkhize reporting 3 198 new infections.
• He said 61 more people had died due to the disease, including 26 in the Eastern Cape alone.
• The total reported deaths countrywide is 21 439.

Covid-19 cases continued to escalate in South Africa as Health Minister Zweli Mkhize reported 3 198 new infections on Saturday evening.

"As of today, the cumulative total of Covid-19 cases is 785 139, with 3 198 new cases identified since the last report," he said.

Mkhize said 61 more deaths were also reported.

"Regrettably, we report 61 more Covid-19-related deaths, including 26 in Eastern Cape, one in Gauteng, 12 in KwaZulu-Natal, seven in Limpopo and 15 in the Western Cape, [bringing] the total deaths to 21 439."

According to the latest weekly mortality report by researchers from the South African Medical Research Council's Burden of Disease Research Unit and the University of Cape Town's Centre for Actuarial Research, 51 473 excess deaths from natural causes were reported between 6 May and 17 November.

Mkhize extended condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and thanked the healthcare workers who treated the patients.

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