Staff Reporter
A third person has died from COVID-19 in the Free State, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has announced.
The latest victim is a 77-year-old male.
South Africa has now recorded a total of 18 coronavirus-related deaths after five more people succumbed to the disease.
“Today we are saddened to report five more COVID-19 related deaths,” Mkhize said in a statement on Wednesday night.
“This takes the total number of deaths to 18. We convey our condolences to the (families) of the deceased and also appreciate the health workers that treated the deceased (patients).”
The minister said the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country had jumped to 1 845 following an increase of 96.
Gauteng remains in the lead with 782 cases, followed by the Western Cape with 495.
KwaZulu-Natal has 354 cases and the Free State 88.
About 63 776 tests for COVID-19 have been conducted across the country.