SA COVID-19 cases mount, 60% of population could contract virus

The number of COVID-19 infections in the country has gone up again.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says there are 52 new cases,  taking the total to 202.

He made the announcement in Bloemfontein earlier. He announced in Gauteng there are 33 cases, in the Western Cape there are 11, in KwaZulu-Natal there's one and in the Free State are seven."

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He said they're in the Free State to meet with officials there because that province has its first cases.

Mkhize said five of the people returned from overseas travel earlier this month and then attended a church gathering.

The Minister said they are now trying to find these congregants. 

Listen below: 

Mkhize says the virus is going to be with us for a long time. 

"We need to be realistic about it. In terms of science estimation in the projection thatthey show, they have indicated the nature of the viral infection can ultimately can affect up to 60 percent," he said. 

Mkhize said it doesn't mean people can be affected at the same time, or have serious illness but it indicates the way the virus spreads.