South Africa now has 709 confirmed cases of Covid-19, up from 554 cases the previous day, health minister Zweli Mkhize said on Wednesday.
The rise represents a 28% day-on-day change, compared with the previous 38% day-on-day increase.
The largest increase was in Gauteng (province) with 64 overnight, 61 in the Western Cape, 11 in Kwazulu Natal and 15 in the Free State.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday night announced a nationwide 21-day lockdown from midnight on Thursday to try and curb the spread of Covid-19.
In an address broadcast live on television, Ramaphosa said all people in South Africa would be compelled to stay at home.
Essential services such as health workers in the public and private sectors, emergency personnel and those in security services such as the police, traffic officers, military medical personnel and soldiers are excluded.
An exact list of essential services will be Gazetted later on Thursday.
- African News Agency (ANA)
