Media Statement
As of today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa on 26 May 2021 is 1 645 555, with 4 623 new cases reported over the past 24 hours.
| Province | Total cases for 26 May 2021 | Percentage total |
| Eastern Cape | 197 333 | 12.0 |
| Free State | 98 934 | 6.0 |
| Gauteng | 448 366 | 27.2 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 339 241 | 20.6 |
| Limpopo | 65 008 | 4.0 |
| Mpumalanga | 81 586 | 5.0 |
| North West | 74 243 | 4.5 |
| Northern Cape | 48 616 | 3.0 |
| Western Cape | 292 228 | 17.8 |
| Unknown | 0 | 0.0 |
| Total | 1 645 555 | 100,0 |
Testing Data
The number of tests conducted to date is 11 452 185. Of these 45 877 tests were conducted since the last report.
| Sector | Total tested | New tested | ||
| PRIVATE | 6 449 921 | 56% | 26 785 | 58% |
| PUBLIC | 5 002 264 | 44% | 19 092 | 42% |
| Total | 11 452 185 | 45 877 |
Deaths and Recoveries
Today, 102 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 4, Free State 6, Gauteng 24, KwaZulu-Natal 4, Limpopo 5, Mpumalanga 4, North West 45, Northern Cape 0 and Western Cape 9 which brings the total to 56 077 deaths. 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 1 546 583 representing a recovery rate of 94, 0%.
| Province | Total Deaths | Total Recoveries | Active Cases |
| Eastern Cape | 11 656 | 185 011 | 666 |
| Free State | 4 263 | 87 491 | 7 180 |
| Gauteng | 11 099 | 424 433 | 12 834 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 10 497 | 324 551 | 4 193 |
| Limpopo | 2 415 | 61 977 | 616 |
| Mpumalanga | 1 438 | 78 613 | 1 535 |
| North West | 1 889 | 67 039 | 5 315 |
| Northern Cape | 1 046 | 40 197 | 7 373 |
| Western Cape | 11 774 | 277 271 | 3 183 |
| Total | 56 077 | 1 546 583 | 42 895 |
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. As we indicated, the teams undertook data verification processes over the weekend in preparation for the finalization of a public facing live dashboard. The number reflected today is a result of this process, which removed duplications and vaccinations assigned incorrectly to Sisonke.
The total vaccinated in Phase Two as at midnight today is 282 135. These vaccinations were with the first dose of Pfizer vaccine.
Total individuals vaccinated; Sisonke and Pfizer first dose is 761 903.
Dr. Zwelini Mkhize
Minister of Health
