As of today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 617 840.
| Province | Total cases for 18 May 2021 | Percentage total |
| Eastern Cape | 196673 | 12,2 |
| Free State | 95342 | 5,9 |
| Gauteng | 436487 | 27,0 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 338163 | 20,9 |
| Limpopo | 64485 | 4,0 |
| Mpumalanga | 80134 | 5,0 |
| North West | 71382 | 4,4 |
| Northern Cape | 45167 | 2,8 |
| Western Cape | 290007 | 17,9 |
| Unknown | 0 | 0,0 |
| Total | 1617840 | 100,0 |
Testing Data
The number of tests conducted to date is 11 166 950. Of these 32 397 tests were conducted since the last report
| Sector | Total tested | New tested | ||
| PRIVATE | 6 280 556 | 56% | 21 870 | 68% |
| PUBLIC | 4 886 394 | 44% | 10 527 | 32% |
| Total | 11 166 950 | 32 397 |
Deaths and Recoveries
Today, 80 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 6, Free State 22, Gauteng 32, Kwa-Zulu Natal 5, Limpopo 6, Mpumalanga 0, North West 0, Northern Cape 0 and Western Cape 9 which brings the total to 55 340 deaths. Free State and Gauteng Provinces have been back-capturing deaths over April and May as part of their auditing processes. We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased patients.
The cumulative recoveries now stand at 1 527 968 representing a recovery rate of 94,4%.
| Province | Total Deaths | Total Recoveries | Active Cases |
| Eastern Cape | 11625 | 184 676 | 372 |
| Free State | 4070 | 85 308 | 5 964 |
| Gauteng | 10913 | 417 419 | 8 155 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 10464 | 322 996 | 4 703 |
| Limpopo | 2342 | 61 787 | 356 |
| Mpumalanga | 1421 | 77 666 | 1 047 |
| North West | 1798 | 64 488 | 5 096 |
| Northern Cape | 987 | 37 971 | 6 209 |
| Western Cape | 11720 | 275 657 | 2 630 |
| Total | 55 340 | 1 527 968 | 34 532 |
Vaccination Rollout:
The total vaccinated under the Sisonke Programme is 479 768. These vaccinations were with the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine and are therefore completed vaccinations
The total vaccinated in Phase Two to date is 39 371. These vaccinations were with the first dose of Pfizer vaccine.
Dr. Zwelini Mkhize
Minister of Health
