The cause of death of the baby born prematurely, and said to have died of Covid-19 after a two-day struggle for survival, will be investigated, the Western Cape government said on Thursday.

"We are saddened by this tragic loss of such a young life and send our deepest sympathies to the family at this time," said Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.

The statement said that 235 people had died of Covid-19 in the Western Cape by 13:00 on Thursday.

The cross-border transporting of bodies formed part of discussions at a high-level meeting between the Western and Eastern Cape governments, as well as national government ministers.

The virtual meeting on Thursday included Premier Oscar Mabuyane and Winde, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, Police Minister Bheki Cele, Health MECs Sindiswa Gomba of the Eastern Cape and Nomafrench Mbombo of the Western Cape, and the Safety and Liaison MECs Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe of the Eastern Cape and Albert Fritz of the Western Cape.