SA Rugby could face tough times. Five game parks in Mpumalanga have been prepared for Covid-19 patients. Here is a wrap of some of our domestic news:


As South Africa enters Day 11 of the countrywide lockdown, the latest available numbers show we have 11 deaths with 1 655 confirmed Covid-19 cases.


As a precautionary measure to ensure there will be enough isolation areas to treat patients with Covid-19 in Mpumalanga, five secluded rest camps in provincial game parks have been prepared for a possible bigger onslaught. 


South Africa needs to test 12 times more people per day for the new coronavirus than it currently does. Our testing plan can only do this if we use a wider range of tests - including controversial ones.


SA Rugby is reportedly set to lose millions if its players are not back on the training field by June.

Coronavirus morning update: Another 2 deaths in SA, UK PM in hospital, and is the '2m rule' enough?


Your latest coronavirus news: Deaths in SA rise to eleven, United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted to hospital, and is two metres enough for physical distancing?

US virus deaths top 1 200 in last 24 hours

More than 1 200 people have died of coronavirus complications in the United States in the past day, John Hopkins University said on Monday 00:30 GMT.

The Baltimore-based university, which has been keeping a running tally of global coronavirus numbers, said there are at least 337 072 confirmed infections in the US with 9 633 deaths

- AFP

Fined for attempting to buy cheap cigarettes. Arrested for getting married with a large crowd in attendance. And 'skop-skiet-en-donner' claims keep cropping up. Here is a wrap of some of our domestic and international news:

As South Africa enters Day 11 of the countrywide lockdown, the latest available numbers show we have 11 deaths with 1 655 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

The wedding day for a KwaZulu-Natal bride and groom turned into a nightmare when they were arrested for going ahead with their special day despite regulations prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people.

To more pressing issues, SA is scrambling to finalise a massive housing initiative to help reduce the number of people living in congested areas in a bid to fight the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

President Cyril Ramaphosa once again called on religious leaders to pray for the country when he met with bishops of the Zion Christian Church on Sunday.

#COVID19 | The President’s courtesy visit is to express gratitude to the Zionist Churches, provide update on Government’s response to curbing the spread of the #coronavirus, seek the advice & counsel of the Church, and ask for prayers for the nation in the fight against COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/5cIBunENpt

— Presidency | South Africa ???? (@PresidencyZA) April 5, 2020

Another issue cropping up related to incidents of unlawful acts by members of the South African National Defence Force. "The enormous resources deployed by the military, both men and material, in defence of 'the life of the nation', are unfortunately overshadowed by the 'skop-skiet-en-donner' condemnation of the indiscretions of a few troopers on the ground," said Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thabang Makwetla.

Meanwhile, the French embassy in South Africa expressed shock and criticised a proposal by two French doctors to test coronavirus vaccines on poor Africans. It sparked global outrage, but the French institute for medical research called the video fake news.

Staying with global news, there are now more than 1 224 740 Covid-19 cases, including 68 125 deaths in 191 countries and territories around the world, shows an AFP tally.

MORE INTERNATIONAL NEWS - from AFP

British PM Boris Johnson hospitalised: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests after showing persistent symptoms of coronavirus 10 days after testing positive for the virus.

UK warns of tougher social distancing measures: The British government on Sunday warned that outside exercise could be banned if people flout stringent guidelines to cut the spread of coronavirus infections.

Ethiopia reports first two deaths from coronavirus: Ethiopia on Sunday announced the first two deaths. The first victim was a 60-year-old Ethiopian woman who had spent six days in intensive care, with the second a 56-year-old Ethiopian man diagnosed with Covid-19 last Thursday.

Frenchman fined after crossing mountains to buy smokes: A man who tried to walk from France to Spain to buy cheap cigarettes was rescued in the Pyrenees mountains - only to be fined for flouting anti-coronavirus regulations.

Jordan becomes latest Mideast country to deploy drones in virus response: Jordan on Sunday started to deploy drones to fight the coronavirus pandemic, joining a host of Middle East countries using the technology to enforce curfews, deliver public health announcements and even monitor people's temperatures.

Italy's virus deaths plunge to lowest since March 19: Italian officials said Sunday they may soon have to consider easing restrictions after seeing the daily coronavirus death toll plunge to its lowest in over two weeks.

CORONAVIRUS 101

Talking Point | News24 has all your questions answered about the shutdown
Checklist | These are the first symptoms
Map | A visual guide of the cases in SA
Watch | Will a mask really protect you from coronavirus?
Printable | This is how to wash your hands

LOCKDOWN DAY 11: From audio books to recipes with kitchen staples, our special hub has everything you need.

- Compiled by Adiel Ismail

SA now has 11 deaths as Covid-19 infections increase to 1 655

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases is 1 655 - an increase of 70 from the Saturday, Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize announced in a statement on Sunday night.

The total number of Covid-19 tests conducted to date is 56 873, which is an increase of 2 936 from those reported on Saturday.

"It is with sadness that we report yet another two deaths related to Covid-19. This takes the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in South Africa to 11."

The first deceased patient is an 82-year-old woman who was admitted to ICU on March 29.

The second deceased patient is an 86-year-old man admitted to hospital on March 26 2020, with a diagnosis of bronchopneumonia and respiratory distress.

Switch on disconnected water immediately, urges Sisulu

Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Lindiwe Sisulu appealed to municipalities to refrain from abruptly cutting water supply to residents because it impinged on their basic right to access clean water, while at the same time hindering the government's effort to fight Covid-19.

"The government has embarked on a national drive to encourage all South Africans to wash their hands with soap and water regularly to stem the tide of the coronavirus," Sisulu said on Sunday.

She added that her department's call centre had fielded thousands of calls with complaints about municipalities cutting the water supply of people who were in arrears or, at times, for "no apparent reason".

SA EVENING ROUNDUP

Confirmed cases: 1 585     Deaths: 9

Top Stories Today:   

81-year-old Bo-Kaap woman dies of Covid-19

According to the Covid-19 Bo-Kaap Community Response Team in Cape Town, 81-year-old Kulsum Cassiem died on Saturday and was buried early on Sunday, in accordance with her faith.  

President Cyril Ramaphosa led a delegation of ministers for a meeting with bishops of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) on Sunday as part of coronavirus interventions, ahead of what is usually a massive Easter pilgrimage to Moria in Limpopo. Fear that US exports clampdown could hamper SA's effort to ramp up testing

An unofficial clampdown by the US government on the exports of test kits crucial to South Africa's plans to ramp up coronavirus testing, is raising fears that local efforts to combat the disease may falter.  

ANALYSIS | SA's desperately tough path post-coronavirus

With South Africans still shell-shocked by the coronavirus-inspired lockdown, now only entering into its second week, a key question is what will be the long-term impact of the pandemic for an already fragile economy.

Some of the world’s biggest and most resilient face unemployment levels reminiscent of 1930’s 'Great Depression'; what will be South Africa’s fate?   

More than R2 billion donated to the Solidarity Fund in two weeks

In just two weeks after President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of a national disaster because of the novel coronavirus, the call for unity in action has seen over R2 billion in donations pledged to the Solidarity Fund. 

What you can claim if you get the coronavirus at work

If you contracted the coronavirus at work, you may be able to claim for temporary or permanent disability, depending on how you were affected - but you will have to prove that you did, in fact, become ill at work.

Police minister thrilled about decrease in violent crimes

Police Minister Bheki Cele on Sunday morning welcomed the "general decrease in serious and violent crimes", attributing this to, among other factors, the prohibition of the sale and movement of liquor since the nationwide coronavirus lockdown started on 27 March.

'Skop-skiet-donner' reports detract from SANDF's coronavirus efforts – Makwetla

The reported incidents of unlawful acts by members of the South African National Defence Force since its deployment in support of the police to deal with Covid-19 are regrettable, said Thabang Makwetla, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, on Sunday.

French embassy in SA on proposal to test vaccine on poor Africans

The French embassy in South Africa has expressed shock about a proposal by two top French doctors that Africa should become a giant laboratory for coronavirus vaccines testing because the continent lacks the resources to defend against the infections.  

Latest global updates

More than 65,000 dead

More than 1.2 million cases, including 65,272 deaths, have been reported in 190 countries and territories around the world since the virus first emerged in China in December.

Italy has the highest official death toll with 15,362 fatalities. Spain follows with 12,418, the United States is on 8,503, France 7,560 and Britain 4,313.

Glimmers of hope in Spain, Italy

Spain saw its third consecutive daily decline in deaths from the virus, recording another 674 fatalities on Sunday.A day earlier, Italy cheered after seeing its number of intensive care cases drop for the first time -- from 4,068 on Friday to 3,994.

New York calls for help and Trumps warning

New York state, epicentre of the US outbreak, reports 630 new deaths in one day, its largest 24-hour spike. New York City mayor Bill de Blasio issues an emergency plea for volunteers, estimating the city will need 45,000 more medical personnel to fight the pandemic through April and May.

President Donald Trump warns Americans to brace for a "very horrendous" number of coronavirus deaths in coming days.

Queen Elizabeth II special broadcast

Queen Elizabeth II will give a rare address on Sunday aimed at rallying Britain, where the government warns of tougher measures on social distancing to try to curb surging infections.

United Arab Emirates doubles aid plan

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates says it has doubled to $70 billion a stimulus package to support the Gulf state's economy.

Repatriations

More than 300 Europeans on Saturday leave Bolivia for France on a charter flight.Some 170 people, mostly French but including Swiss, Belgians, Germans and Britons, leave Moscow on Saturday on a repatriation flight organised by the French embassy. Bolivia on Saturday repatriates 480 nationals who had been blocked at the Chilean border.

And 740 Algerians stuck in Turkey after their flights were cancelled are repatriated on Saturday.

Expanding and extending measures

Algeria announces it will extend its night-time curfew -- until now in place only in the capital and 13 of its 48 provinces -- across the whole country.Senegal extends by 30 days its nationwide state of emergency.

Easter services hit

Pope Francis calls for courage in the face of the pandemic as he delivers Palm Sunday mass by livestream instead of before Saint Peter's Square crowds.Egypt's Coptic Orthodox church will suspend prayers preceding Easter celebrations later this month.

Iran to restart 'low-risk' economic activities

Iran said Sunday it will allow "low-risk" economic activities to resume from April 11 as its daily coronavirus infection rates slowed for a fifth straight day.

President Hassan Rouhani did not specify what qualified as "low risk" activities but said bans would remain on schools and large gatherings. 

Singapore quarantines migrant workers

Singapore has put nearly 20,000 migrant workers under quarantine for two weeks after a growing number of coronavirus infections were detected in their dormitories, authorities said Sunday. The city-state had largely kept the virus outbreak under control through a regime of testing and tracing contacts of those infected, but cases have increased sharply in recent days.

- AFP

President meets with church leaders

President Cyril Ramaphosa led a delegation of ministers for a meeting with bishops of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) on Sunday as part of coronavirus interventions, ahead of what is usually a massive Easter pilgrimage to Moria in Limpopo. 

Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathala was part of the delegation to meet with Bishops Engenas Lekganyane and Barnabas Lekganyane. The Presidency said it was a courtesy visit to express gratitude to the Zion churches, to provide update on government's response to curbing the spread of the coronavirus, to seek the advice and counsel of the church, and to ask for prayers for the nation in the fight against Covid-19. 

81-year-old Bo-Kaap woman dies of Covid-19

An 81-year-old Bo-Kaap woman, who was being treated for pneumonia and then tested positive for Covid-19, has died. Kulsum Cassiem was buried early on Sunday, in accordance with her faith.

'Skop-skiet-donner' reports detract from SANDF's coronavirus efforts - Makwetla

The reported incidents of unlawful acts by members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) since its deployment in support of the police to deal with Covid-19 are regrettable, said Thabang Makwetla, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, on Sunday.

"They have easily detracted the observer from the overwhelmingly vital role played by the military in the fight against the coronavirus and the enormous value of this deployment to the country. The commander-in-chief, [President Cyril Ramaphosa] ordered the troops to 'go to our people and give them hope' because this is a grim moment indeed," Makwetla said.

Worldwide death toll

The worldwide number of fatalities from the novel coronavirus rose to 65,272 on Sunday, according to a tally compiled by AFP from official sources.

More than 1,206,480 declared cases have been registered in 190 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China in December. Of these cases, at least 233,300 are now considered recovered.

Italy, which recorded its first coronavirus death at the end of February, has 15,362 fatalities, with 124,632 infections and 20,996 people recovered.

Spain recorded 12,418 fatalities and 130,759 infections, followed by the United States with 8,503 deaths and 312,245 cases -- the highest in the world.

France has reported 7,560 deaths and 89,953 infections, followed by Britain (4,313 deaths and 41,903 cases).China -- excluding Hong Kong and Macau -- has to date declared 3,329 deaths and 81,669 cases, with 76,964 recoveries.

Cases so far

Europe has listed 642,330 cases and 47,093 deaths to date,

US and Canada together have 326,117 cases with 8,747 deaths,

Asia 117,571 cases and 4,172 deaths,

the Middle East 74,670 cases and 3,779 deaths,

Latin America and the Caribbean 30,539 cases with 1,052 deaths,

Africa 8,578 cases with 388 deaths, and

Oceania 6,675 cases with 41 deaths.

When businesswoman Shafieka Salie-Effendi noticed the plea for hand sanitisers on the Khayelitsha Community Action Network WhatsApp group, she didn't sit idly by.

She joined the group to help mobilise awareness around the Covid-19 crisis in South Africa - and managed to raise enough money to donate 1 000 hand sanitisers.

SA afternoon roundup

Confirmed cases: 1 585     Deaths: 9

Top Stories Today:  

Fear that US exports clampdown could hamper SA's effort to ramp up testing

An unofficial clampdown by the US government on the exports of test kits crucial to South Africa's plans to ramp up coronavirus testing, is raising fears that local efforts to combat the disease may falter.

South Africa does not manufacture machines or kits capable of testing for Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and as a result is reliant on imports from companies in the US, China, South Korea and Switzerland, among others.

Race to complete temporary shelter for 2 000 homeless people

The urgent construction of a massive Covid-19 temporary shelter is under way to house more than 2 000 homeless people in Cape Town. It is a race against time because winter rains are due to hit the Western Cape on Sunday. The new facility is situated in Strandfontein, on the south of the Cape Flats, on several large existing sports fields.  

More than R2 billion donated to the Solidarity Fund in two weeks

The Solidarity Fund has extended its gratitude to South Africans for the generosity the fund experienced in the past week.

In just two weeks after President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of a national disaster because of the novel coronavirus, the call for unity in action has seen over R2 billion in donations pledged to the fund.  

Police minister thrilled about decrease in violent crimes

Police Minister Bheki Cele on Sunday morning welcomed the "general decrease in serious and violent crimes", attributing this to, among other factors, the prohibition of the sale and movement of liquor since the nationwide coronavirus lockdown started on 27 March.

As the 2019-20 National Crime Statistics are yet to be officially released by the Minister of Police to Parliament later this year, the analysis done currently is a preliminary report that is yet to undergo the necessary verification and endorsements, ministry spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said. 

Stellenbosch gets a scrub

The pavements, park benches and dustbins in the Stellenbosch CBD got a good wash on Saturday night as the municipality sanitises public spaces during the coronavirus crisis.

With 16 cases of Covid-19 recorded in the area, the municipality's essential service workers spread out to spray a thick layer of sanitiser on the pavements, and the benches that residents and visitors used to take a moment to rest on before the lockdown.

French embassy in SA on proposal to test vaccine on poor Africans

The French embassy in South Africa has expressed shock about a proposal by two top French doctors that Africa should become a giant laboratory for coronavirus vaccines testing because the continent lacks the resources to defend against the infections.

In the live broadcast on the French TV channel LCI, Jean-Paul Mira and Camille Locht raised the idea of testing new vaccines on impoverished African populations.    

ANALYSIS | SA's desperately tough path post-coronavirus

With South Africans still shell-shocked by the coronavirus-inspired lockdown, now only entering into its second week, a key question is what will be the long-term impact of the pandemic for an already fragile economy.

Some of the world’s biggest and most resilient face unemployment levels reminiscent of 1930’s 'Great Depression'; what will be South Africa’s fate?The United States, the world’s biggest economy, is expected to reach unemployment levels as high as 32% by the middle of the year. This week, its jobless numbers soared to a new record high with 6.6 million Americans filing for unemployment claims, a week after 3.3 million claimed.

Latest Global Update

Drones in Jordan

Jordan said it is to use drones and surveillance cameras to monitor compliance with a nationwide curfew imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Jordan has declared five dead and 323 cases. 

Jordan says it has arrested at least 1,600 people for violating the curfew, which imposes heavy penalties and has been in force since last month.

It has sealed off the capital and all the country's provinces, suspended flights in and out of Jordan, closed schools and banned all public gatherings.

Australia sends cruise ships on their way

The largest maritime operation ever undertaken in Sydney Harbour was completed on Sunday with the successful restocking and refuelling of five cruise ships, Australian police said.

Cruise ship guests have so far accounted for almost 10 percent of Australia's more than 5,500 infections.

Pakistan hunts worshippers

Pakistani authorities are searching for tens of thousands of worshippers who attended an Islamic gathering in Lahore last month amid fears they could be spreading COVID-19 across the country.

At least 154 attendees have tested positive following the Tablighi Jamaat event, which attracted 100,000 people and took place despite government requests to cancel in light of the worsening pandemic.

Drive-by blessings in the Philippines

Priests delivered blessings from the back of trucks and motorised tricycles in the Philippines on Sunday, adapting the deeply Catholic nation's traditions to the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

Cash injection in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced a set of stimulus packages worth $8.5 billion to help the country's economy ride out the damage inflicted by the pandemic. In a speech broadcast live from her office in Dhaka, Hasina said the money would be mostly provided as low-interest loans to hard-hit manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises.

South Korea threatens deportation

Authorities said Sunday that anyone arriving in South Korea who violates quarantine measures -- including the mandatory 14-day self-isolation period or by giving a false testimony -- will face up to one year in prison or a 10 million won ($8,090) fine.

Foreigners who fail to comply can be immediately deported or banned from re-entering the country, authorities said.

Spain sees drop

Spain saw its third consecutive daily decline in the number of people dying from the coronavirus pandemic as the country recorded another 674 deaths on Sunda, official figures showed.

The health ministry said the number, the lowest in 10 days, brought total deaths to 12,418 since the pandemic hit Spain. The number of infections rose 4.8 percent to 130,759.

We don't need no social distance: US police bust Pink Floyd 'corona party'

Partygoers at a Pink Floyd tribute night have been scolded for shouting abuse at New Jersey police after defying social distancing rules brought in to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Around 30 people gathered to watch an acoustic rendition of the British rock band's greatest hits on the front lawn of a home in Rumson, a seaside  community south of New York City, that was also broadcast live over social media.

How we got here: timeline of coronavirus spread across the world

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a pandemic over a new coronavirus which causes an illness known as Covid-19 that has spread to at least 180 countries and territories.

The disease has killed more than 60,000 people and infected more than 1 million, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Stellenbosch gets a scrub as coronavirus cases at 16

The pavements, park benches and dustbins in the Stellenbosch CBD got a good wash on Saturday night as the municipality sanitises public spaces during the coronavirus crisis. 

With 16 cases of Covid-19 recorded in the area, the municipality's essential service workers spread out to spray a thick layer of sanitiser on the pavements, and the benches that residents and visitors used to take a moment to rest on before the lockdown. 

Dustbins also got a spray during the operation. 

What you can claim if you get coronavirus at work

If you contracted the coronavirus at work, you may be able to claim for temporary or permanent disability, depending on how you were affected - but you will have to prove that you did, in fact, become ill at work. 

A Notice on Compensation for Occupational-Acquired Novel Corona Virus Diseases (Covid-19), was published in the Government Gazette by the Compensation Commissioner and came into effect on 23 March.

The available benefits for employees found to have contracted the coronavirus at work include temporary total disablement benefits if it does not exceed 30 days; permanent disability where an assessment has been made by the Compensation Fund; medical aid for a period of no more than 30 days where an employee has tested positive for Covid-19; and certain death benefits.

More than R2 billion donated to the Solidarity Fund in two weeks

The Solidarity Fund has extended its gratitude to South Africans for the generosity the fund experienced in the past week.

In just two weeks after President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of a national disaster because of the novel coronavirus, the call for unity in action has seen over R2 billion in donations pledged to the fund. 

The chairperson of the fund, Gloria Serobe, said that large corporates to medium-sized businesses and members of the public have responded generously, despite the troubling economy and its unsettling outlook.

‘Deeply shocked.’ French embassy in SA on proposal to test vaccine on poor Africans

The French embassy in South Africa has criticised a proposal by two French doctors to test coronavirus vaccines on poor Africans.

"Shouldn't we do this study in Africa where there are no masks, no treatment, no intensive care," one of the doctors asked in a live television interview. 

It sparked global outrage, but the French institute for medical research called the video fake news.

Fear that US exports clampdown could hamper SA's effort to ramp up testing

An unofficial clampdown by the US government on the exports of test kits crucial to South Africa's plans to ramp up coronavirus testing, is raising fears that local efforts to combat the disease may falter.

South Africa does not manufacture machines or kits capable of testing for Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and as a result is reliant on imports from companies in the US, China, South Korea and Switzerland, among others.

Globally, supply chains for crucial testing and treatment equipment, such as ventilators, test kits and protective gear for healthcare workers, are under severe strain to keep up with demand.

Global Coronavirus Update

More than one million cases

More than 1,169,210 cases of infection, including 63,437 deaths, have been reported in 190 countries and territories around the world since the virus first emerged in China in December.

Italy has the highest official death toll with 15,362 fatalities. Spain follows with 11,744, the United States with 8,098, France with 7,560 and Britain with 4,313.

Economic cost

The pandemic could cost the global economy $4.1 trillion, equivalent to 4.8 percent of worldwide output, as it ravages major economies, the Asian Development Bank warns. Latin America is heading into "a deep recession" in 2020, the United Nations says.

Food shortages

The pandemic threatens to cause food shortages for hundreds of millions of people, especially in Africa, who depend on imports of foodstuffs paid for by exports, the World Food Programme says.

Half of humanity confined

More than 3.9 billion people -- half of the world's population -- have been called on or obliged by their authorities to stay at home in more than 90 countries or territories, according to an AFP database.

Spain announces it will extend its lockdown to April 25.

Turkey stepped up controls Saturday on crowded public spaces including markets and ferries in Istanbul, a day after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan imposed the use of face masks to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

Airborne transmission?

Anthony Fauci, head of infectious diseases at the National Institutes of Health and aide to US President Donald Trump, says the virus might spread through the air via normal breathing and speaking, "as opposed to coughing and sneezing". Trump's administration suggests widespread use of simple masks or scarves to help deter the spread of the virus.

'Hope' or 'worst yet to come'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the latest figures suggesting the coronavirus is slowing in Germany are a cause for "hope", but that it is too early to relax restrictions on public life.

Worldwide however, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says "the worst is yet to come", and that COVID-19 is just arriving in theatres of conflict like Syria, Libya and Yemen, repeating his call for a global ceasefire.

Tunisia PM gets special powers

Tunisia's parliament gives Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh powers to issue decrees for two months to allow for the accelerated adoption of measures to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

- AFP

A dream holiday to see the cherry blossoms in Japan turned into a nightmare for a South African family who are now stranded in East Asia. 

Global update

US President Donald Trump has warned Americans to brace for a "very horrendous" number of coronavirus deaths in the coming days as the total number of global fatalities from the pandemic soared past 60 000.

Confirmed Covid-19 cases in the United States on Saturday surpassed 300 000, but Europe continued to bear the brunt of the pandemic which has left roughly half the planet confined at home at a huge cost to the global economy.

Over 45 000 of global deaths have been in Europe, with Britain reporting a new daily high in fatalities, taking the overall toll to 4 300 out of nearly 42 000 cases.

Coronavirus: 53 937 tests later - 1585 cases and 9 deaths

The total number of coronavirus cases in South Africa has risen to 1585 on Saturday, 80 more than Friday.

The number of deaths is confirmed as nine.

President Cyril Ramaphosa convened the first virtual meeting of the Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) on Saturday. 

The PPC, co-chaired by Deputy President David Mabuza is made up of President Cyril Ramaphosa convened the first virtual meeting of the Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) on Saturday to assess the challenges and progress on the implementation of the national lockdown, set out to stop the spread of the coronavirus.