Johannesburg, May 31 (RHC)-- The number of coronavirus cases in South Africa rose past 30,000, Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize said.  South Africa reported 1,727 new cases, taking the cumulative total to 30,967.  The death toll increased by 32 to 643.

In other news, South Africa will allow domestic air travel for business purposes only from June 1st as the country further eases coronavirus lockdown regulations, the transport minister said.

The country has been largely shut since a nationwide lockdown began in late March. South Africa has reported 29,240 cases of the new coronavirus, with 611 deaths.

From next month, Africa's most industrialized economy will allow most economic sectors including mining and manufacturing to fully resume operations and has also allowed the sale of alcohol but for home consumption.

"As the country moves to level 3, with more industries resuming operations, learners returning to school, the transport sector must be responsive to enable mobility of both workers and learners," Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula said in a televised briefing.

"In doing so, we must maintain a delicate balance between enabling mobility and arresting the spread of the virus."

The resumption of domestic flights will be rolled out in three phases, with only four airports allowed to be opened under phase one, he added.