28 new COVID-19 deaths push SA’s death toll to 552

South Africa has recorded 28 new COVID-19 deaths, pushing the number of fatalities to 552. The number of infections now stands at 25 937.

The country has a 52% recovery rate, with 13 451 people having recuperated from the virus.

As with deaths and infections, the Western Cape has the highest number of recoveries, followed by Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases within the Department of Correctional Services  (DCS) is now at 755. More than 200 officials and 482 inmates have contracted the virus. The department has recorded 173 recoveries.

Below is a breakdown of the stats: 

The rising number of infections has caused alarm in some quarters as the country prepares for lockdown level 3 set to kick in on June 1, where most businesses will resume operating and worshippers will be allowed to gather. Children are also due to return to school, with some people arguing that this might put children’s lives at risk. Authorities have however assured South Africans that their decisions are in the best interest of the country. They have also warned of a possibility of a return to hard lockdown should measures to curtail the spread of the virus fail.