Professor Penny Moore said that the C.1.2. was at a low frequency currently - between 2% and 3% of infections - but this was gradually increasing month by month and that it was for this reason that they were watching the situation closely.
The death rate from COVID-19 remains exceptionally high, with 553 people passing away in the past 24-hour recorded period.
The Western Cape remains the epicentre of the pandemic in this country.
The NICD said that the rolling seven-day average of new cases was on the rise again.
In the past 24 hours, at least 238,000 doses were administered as part of South Africa’s phased rollout, which aimed to attain herd immunity by inoculating 67% of the population.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)'s Professor Adrian Puren said that a clearer picture on the pandemic's move in KwaZulu-Natal was expected in the coming days.
The health system is dealing with around 195,500 active cases, with Gauteng on 10,500 and the Western Cape on 2,820.
Data from the past seven days had shown an overall 46% increase in new COVID-19 cases in comparison to the previous week, with the Northern Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo provinces topping the list.
On 5 March 2020, South Africa's first case of COVID-19 was recorded. One year later, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) honoured those who were instrumental in ensuring South Africa's response preparedness to the outbreak.
The institute said that only people with symptoms and who had traveled to coronavirus stricken areas would be tested along with those who had been in contact with people who had travelled abroad.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)'s Professor Cheryl Cohen said that South Africans looking to protect themselves should be aware that there was no scientific proof that over-the-counter masks worked.
To wear or not wear a mask? Cheryl Cohen of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases spoke to EWN to clarify confusion around the coronavirus. #Coronavirus #COVID19 #NICD
South Africans have been strongly encouraged to continue following hygienic practices such as regular handwashing to fight against the rapid spread of the disease.
The president has appealed to the public not to spread fake news and information on COVID-19 as this would cause panic.
Bhekisisa health reporter Aisha Abdool Karim breaks down why South African's should remain calm about the coronavirus. She gives tips on what symptoms to look for, prevention methods and what to do if you suspect you are infected. While Head of NDOH Coronavirus Infection Prevention and Control Shaheen Mehtar confirmed to Bhekisisa that the virus can die under hot conditions, this information has been disputed, and the evidence has been inconclusive.
President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to the media in Pretoria about the first confirmed case of the coronavirus in South Africa and encouraged South Africans to not panic.
The Health Department on Thursday confirmed that a 38-year-old man from KwaZulu-Natal had tested positive after returning from Italy.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has confirmed the first positive case of the coronavirus in South Africa. #BreakingNews #Coronavirus #CoronaVirusinSA
