The South African health ministry on Saturday reported over 10,000 fresh COVID-19 cases and 74 new deaths, according to the daily report by the ministry.

With a total of 10,853 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, the toll becomes the highest ever recorded in a single day in the country as they remain the virus' hotspot in the continent.

South Africa has now recorded a total of to 187,977 cases of the deadly coronavirus with a death toll stands at 3,026.

Health authorities have been expecting a surge in cases after the gradual loosening of a strict lockdown that was imposed on March 27.

With the nation’s economy projected to shrink more than seven per cent in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic — the worst slump in 90 years — the government is battling to strike a balance between saving lives and the economy.

“What we have been seeking to do is to balance… saving lives of our people and also preserving livelihoods, and it’s a delicate balance,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday. [Channels TV]