This means that the Covid-19 related death toll in the province has now risen to eight deaths, up from six.

Premier Sisi Ntombela announced that one death was reported in Mangaung (which includes Bloemfontein) and one in Xhariep (which include Tromsburg in the Kopanong Local municipality) which has 18 cases.

Mangaung has recorded seven of the deaths reported thus far.

Despite Mangaung being the epicentre of the virus in the province, with 57 active cases out of 92, it was not listed as one of the Covid-19 stricken hotspot metros in the country.

Ntombela says over 25 000 people have been tested and 1.6 million people have been screened across five districts in the province.

So far the province has 92 active cases after 124 patients recovered, and 8 deaths were reported.

"We welcome the fact that the Free State does not have hotspots as per the President’s address. However, we are still very concerned, especially following the increase of positive cases in Xhariep and in Mangaung," she further says.

Premier Ntombela also expressed confidence in the Department of Health, and its MEC Montsheng Tsiu.

She adds that she will continue to work very hard to contain the spread and make sure that access to general health services is sustained.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on Tuesday night announced that South Africa now has 24 264 confirmed cases. Mkhize also announced that the death toll linked to Covid-19 has jumped to 524 deaths while 12 741 people have recovered countrywide.

OFM News