South Sudan's National Ministry of Health has reported 17 new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the cumulative total to 1,830.

One death case was confirmed in the last 24 hours, raising the toll related to the virus to 32, Richard Laku, director-general for planning, budget and research in the ministry of health, said in a statement in Juba on Thursday.

He further said South Sudan has so far recorded 117 recoveries from COVID-19. The health official said two patients who are severely ill are being treated at the Dr. Garang Infectious Diseases Unit.

Laku, who is also the COVID-19 Incident Manager, said a total of 1,348 cases are still under follow-up while 1,248 contacts that were being traced have been reached.

According to Laku, 2,702 contacts have so far completed their mandatory 14-day follow-up.

The health official urged the public to follow government guidelines to curb the spread of the disease.