South Africa has recorded its first two deaths due to coronavirus, on Friday and the cases have now surpassed 1 000.

In a statement from Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, both deaths took place in the Western Cape. One patient in a private hospital and the other in a public hospital.

He said the cases have increased since yesterday and have now tipped the 1 000 mark.

The Department of Health is expected to divulge more details on the cases together with the number of new confirmed cases, later today.

Today marks the first day of the 21-day lockdown that was announced on Monday by President Cyril Ramaphosa as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise.