Johannesburg – health minister Zweli Mkhize has announced that the number of COVID-19 deaths has risen to 18 in the country.

In a statement released on Wednesday night, the minister said the cases had gone up to 1,845. “This is an increase of 96 from the previously reported cases.”

The minister said he was saddened to report the five additional deaths from Tuesday’s figure.

“We convey our condolences to the families of the deceased and also appreciate the health workers that treated the deceased patients.”

Gauteng is still the epicenter in the country with 782 infections, followed by the Western Cape at 495 and KwaZulu-Natal with 354 cases.

The North West and the Northern Cape are at the bottom with 15 and 13 infections respective while the number of unallocated cases stands at 11.

The total number of tests conducted across the country so far is 63,776. “This is an increase of 5,678 from our last report,” the minister added.