London, May 7, 2020 (AltAfrica)-Cases of coronavirus infections have continue to surge in Egypt and South Africa with the two countries now recording fifteen thousand three hundred and ninety-six (15, 396) cases

On Wednesday, South Africa added 236 new infections, taking the total to 7808, while Egypt reported 387 new coronavirus cases same day to bring the total infection in the North African country to tally 7,588

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The Egyptian health ministry also announced 17 new deaths, bringing the total deaths from the virus to 469. There were also 5 more deaths in South Africa taking the death toll to 153. 

The combine death tally in the two countries now stand at 622

A statement from the health ministry in Egypt said that 85 Egyptian COVID-19 patients have been discharged from hospital, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,815.

Health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said in the statement that the number of people whose test results have turned from positive to negative, including the 1,815 recoveries, has now reached 2,314

Egypt has relaxed some restrictions in recent days. Car licensing units at traffic departments, real estate registry offices, and some court services have reopened

South Africa, is currently in Day 41 of its national lockdown, which was instituted to curb the spread of the virus. 

Last Friday, the country eased into level 4 of the national lockdown and allowed just over one million workers to return to work, after instituting the strict level 5 lockdown for 35 days. 

In easing into level 4 of the lockdown, the wearing of face masks became compulsory for all in public. Shops are refusing to serve those who do not cover their faces. 

On the last week of the level 5 lockdown, South Africa saw 1 694 new infections between April 24 and April 30. 

In the same period, there were 24 Covid-19 related deaths. 

And as the country entered into the level 4  lockdown, the cases have not slowed, with 2161 cases and 50 deaths recorded in just 6 days between May 1 and May 6. 

Mkhize said 279 000 people had now been tested for the virus, with the last 11 000 tests conducted over the last 24 hours. 

Health minister, Zweli Mkhize  said 279 000 people had now been tested for the virus, with the last 11 000 tests conducted over the last 24 hours.