Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said in his daily update that the cumulative total of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa now sits at 1 231 597.
This is an increase of 17 241 new cases identified in the last 24 hours.
A cumulative total of 7 183 893 tests have been completed with 63 046 tests conducted since the last report, said Mkhize.
The minister also said a further 339 COVID-19 related deaths were reported: Eastern Cape 77 , Free State 19, Gauteng 28, Kwa-Zulu Natal 71, Limpopo 14, Mpumalanga 10, Northern Cape 7 and Western Cape 113 and this brings the total deaths to 33 163.
Mkhize added that the recoveries now stand at 966 368, representing a recovery rate of 78,4%.
Government has roped in religious leaders to assist in communicating facts around the Covid-19 pandemic, the same day that two church leaders were arrested for contravention of lockdown regulations.
According to the President’s Twitter account, on Sunday evening he concluded an engagement with interfaith leaders where a Covid-19 risk-adjusted strategy was discussed.
“At a time of rapidly rising infections and sadly, many deaths, we gave an update on the rate of infections, hospital admissions, lives lost and the vaccine rollout strategy.
“We emphasised the need for clear communication of facts, all the faith leaders welcomed the consultation and expressed appreciation for the efforts of government and the role of religious leaders to continue to mobilise communities to follow all the health protocols, “Ramaphosa tweeted.
Mkhize is his vaccine rollout strategy counted religious leaders as one of the grouping whom the department will seek to educate communities about immunisation against the deadly virus.
Ramaphosa said the government values inputs of religious leaders who lead congregations with appreciation and humility.
“We all have a huge responsibility to work together in communicating facts on vaccines and encouraging good practices to ensure that we overcome this devastating pandemic, “said Ramaphosa.
Meanwhile, some religious leaders will spend the night behind bars following a church gathering that was dispersed by police in Sebokeng, Sedibeng district of Gauteng.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.