Coronavirus: SA COVID-19 cases rise to 17, first local transmission confirmed

The Department of Health has confirmed four new COVID-19 cases on Thursday.

There is one more case in KwaZulu-Natal, taking the province's figure to eight.

Mpumalanga and the Free State have reported their first infections.

READ: Coronavirus: South Africa records 6 new COVID-19 cases

While Gauteng has another case, taking their figure to six cases. 

Yesterday, The World Health Organisation has declared the virus a global pandemic. 

In a statement released by Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize this morning, four new cases have been reported. 

A 38-year-old man from Durban who lives in Turkey - was visiting family in South Africa has tested positive. He had travelled to the UK and returned to SA last weekend.

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Mpumalanga's first case is a 27-year-old woman who returned home from the United States.

Johannesburg's latest infection is a 43-year-old man from who travelled from New York via Dubai and returned on Sunday.

The department has also confirmed the first case of local transmission - a 32-year-old Free State man tested positive for the virus after making contact with a businessman. 

Mkhize says all patients are in self-quarantine, have mild to moderate symptoms and are receiving treatment. 

The department will hold a media this afternoon. 

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