South Africa now has 16 433 COVID-19 infections and 286 related deaths.
This translates to 918 new cases and 22 deaths overnight.
Latest COVID-19 stats for SA below:
As of today, the total number of confirmed #COVID19 cases in South Africa is 16 433, the total number of deaths is 286 and recoveries have risen to 7298. pic.twitter.com/CUU7kwkrJo
— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) May 18, 2020
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize urged South Africans who are regarded as high-risk groups to take extra precautions and avoid possible exposure to coronavirus.
The call comes as the country prepares to ease the current lockdown to level 3.
The elderly and people living with chronic diseases like HIV, diabetes and hypertension are among those advised to take extra measures to avoid COVID-19 exposure.
