UN Human Rights Office highlights 'toxic lockdown culture' in SA

On Monday, Georgette Gagnon, director of field operations and technical cooperation for the UN Human Rights Office, highlighted a "highly militarised" law enforcement response to Covid-19 in South Africa.

"We've received reports of disproportionate use of force by security officers, particularly in poor and informal settlements," she said.

"Rubber bullets, tear gas, water guns and whips have been used to enforce social distancing in shopping lines…and outside their homes."

International Covid-19 wrap | Lockdown restrictions ease, UN warns on workers safety and cases top three million

Coronavirus morning update: Concern over Western and Eastern Cape infection rates

The Western Cape has the most cases in the country, by some distance, and the health minister has raised concerns about outbreaks among essential workers in the province.

New Covid-19 infections jumped by a staggering 247, taking the total positive cases to 4 793 as of Monday night. The death toll is now 90.

These figures come after President Cyril Ramaposa said the coronavirus pandemic has thrown into sharp focus the poverty and inequality that still defines our society.

"Some people have been able to endure the coronavirus lockdown in a comfortable home with a fully stocked fridge, with private medical care and online learning for their children. For millions of others, this has been a month of misery, of breadwinners not working, of families struggling to survive and of children going to bed and waking up hungry," he said in his Freedom Day speech.

Here are some of our top stories of the day:

Outbreaks among essential workers have led to the Western Cape overtaking Gauteng as the epicentre of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa, while funerals and an outbreak in the correctional services system drove up the Eastern Cape's figures. "We're seeing changes in the outbreak on a day-to-day basis," Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said. "When we started with the outbreak, Gauteng province was the highest, things have shifted with the Western Cape now the epicentre."

As it stands currently, South African hospitals are currently not overwhelmed by the Covid-19 pandemic, said acting director-general of the Department of Health, Anban Pillay. He added at the moment there isn't a high demand for high care of Covid-19 patients.

To help scale up our fight against Covid-19, more than 200 Cuban health professionals touched down in South Africa in the early hours of Monday morning. The specialised Cuban medical brigade is made up of family physicians, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, healthcare technology engineers, biotechnology experts and other specialists.

South Africans older than 60 may face many more months at home under proposed 'risk-adjusted' lockdown rules from 1 May, if the projected coronavirus peak indeed hits the country around September. Various health experts have predicted South Africa's "peak" may only be in September. This could mean the elderly could have to remain at home for at least the next five months.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance said it is in support of a much wider opening of the economy, and will also challenge the nationwide curfew in its submissions to the government's risk-adjusted strategy. "Firstly, there is no evidence to say why this should not happen. There has been little to no transparency around that data or the analysis being used to guide government's response," DA leader John Steenhuisen said in a statement on Monday.

Here are some popular stories making international headlines:

People caught without masks forced to sweep streets in Madagascar: Police in Madagascar are forcing citizens caught outside without a coronavirus face mask to sweep pavements.

Hundreds die in Iran after drinking alcohol to cure coronavirus: More than 700 people have died in Iran after ingesting toxic methanol, erroneously thinking it can cure the new coronavirus.

France daily coronavirus deaths rise: France on Monday reported 437 new deaths from Covid-19 in hospitals and nursing homes over the last 24 hours, marking a rise after lower daily figures in the last days.

Nearly half of New Yorkers personally knew someone who died from coronavirus: Almost half of New Yorkers knew someone who died of the new coronavirus, according to a poll which found overwhelming support for confinement measures opposed elsewhere in America.

Back at work, British PM warns against easing virus lockdown: Prime Minister Boris Johnson made his first public appearance since being hospitalised with coronavirus three weeks ago, saying Britain was beginning to "turn the tide" on the outbreak but rejecting calls to ease a nationwide lockdown.

More on lockdown living:

What to look out for this week | School pupils and university students will likely know this week when academic activities will resume
List | These are the permissions and restrictions for Level 4 lockdown
Talking point | Do your keys, phone, money need disinfecting
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms

Stay healthy and entertained during the national lockdown. Sign up for our Lockdown Living newsletter. Register and manage your newsletters in the new News24 app by clicking on the Profile tab

Take a look at News24's Covid-19 tracker

We have you covered on all the latest figures and up to date coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.

- Compiled by Adiel Ismail

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa is 4 793, Health Minister Zweli Mhkhize said on Monday evening in a statement.

This is an increase of 247 since the figure announced on Sunday.

The total number of tests conducted to date is 178 470, of which 9 827 were done in the last 24 hours.

"We regret to report a further three deaths: two from the Western Cape and one from KZN. This brings the total cumulative COVID-19 related deaths to 90."

A 79-year-old male from the Western Cape presented with shortness of breath and chest pain. His co-morbidities included diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and cardiac disease.

Also in the Western Cape, a 58-year-old male presented with imminent cardiovascular arrest. He was a person living with HIV and had obesity.

The third death was in KZN where a 54-year-old male presented with respiratory distress. He had underlying diabetes.

What is the real coronavirus death toll globally?

The global coronavirus death toll could be significantly higher than official tallies, a new analysis from the Financial Times found.

The FT calculated a new metric for deaths from the virus, by comparing how many more deaths - from any cause - took place in early 2020 than in a normal year.

This gives a picture of the scale of the pandemic that doesn't rely on virus-specific data from national health authorities, which is likely undercounting.

MESSAGE BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ON THE OCCASION OF FREEDOM DAY

27 APRIL 2020

Fellow South Africans,

Sanibonani. Dumelang. Inhlekani. Molweni. Lotjhani. Ndi masiari. Goeie dag. Good afternoon.

On this day twenty-six years ago, a new nation was born in Africa.

On the 27th of April 1994, the men, women and children of South Africa emerged from the dark vale of oppression to stand in the light of freedom.

As millions cast their votes for the first time, they boldly declared to the world that South Africa belongs to all who live in it.

The price of our freedom was paid by generations of patriots.

We pay tribute to the great leaders who resisted colonial domination and who fought for our liberation, both those who have left us and those who are still living.

We remember Chief Albert Luthuli, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Oliver Reginald Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Albertina Sisulu, Stephen Bantu Biko, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, Charlotte Mannya Maxeke, Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Mam Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

We remember John Langalibalele Dube, Dr AB Xuma, Sefako Mapogo Makgatho, ZR Mahabane, Josiah Gumede, Pixley ka Isaka Seme, King Cetswayo, King Hintsha, Makhanda, Sekhukhune, Makhado, Bambatha and the many brave leaders of the Khoi and San rebellions.

They watered the tree of liberty so we could enjoy its fruit and stand under its shade today.

We honour their memory and the contribution of the many ordinary compatriots whose names are unknown but whose sacrifices were just as great.

Our Constitution, and the Freedom Charter from which it draws its inspiration, both begin with the words: ‘We, the People’.

President #Ramaphosa: Our Constitution and #FreedomCharter from which it draws its inspiration, both begin with the words #WeThePeople, an ever-present reminder that everything we have achieved as a democracy & everything we hope to achieve is founded on the will of the people. pic.twitter.com/Nv83Xl1l1m

— Presidency | South Africa ???? (@PresidencyZA) April 27, 2020

They are an ever-present reminder that everything we have achieved as a young democracy and everything we hope to achieve is founded on the will of the people.

Our Constitution is the defender of all who live in our great land, be they black or white, rich or poor, young or old, man or woman, citizen or resident.

Over the past 26 years we have made great progress in building a common future in which all South Africans have a part.

We have been building homes, schools, hospitals, clinics and universities.

We have been providing water, sanitation and electricity to many South Africans who never had access to such services.

We have expanded access to health care and education.

We have been hard at work to rebuild our economy and strengthen our institutions.

We have initiated work, internship and study opportunities for young people, assisting them to secure jobs or to be self-employed.

We have accelerated programmes to give our people access to land, and returned land to those who were forcibly removed.

We are supporting vulnerable families, parents, the elderly, persons with disabilities and our veterans with social grants.

Our young democracy has much to be proud of.

But the devastating legacy of our past runs so deep that at times we ourselves have been found wanting in addressing the suffering it has subjected our people to.

Poverty and inequality continues to stalk our land.

A child born to parents of means has a comfortable home, is fed and sheltered, receives a good education and has good prospects for a prosperous life.

For a poor child, every day of life can be a struggle for shelter, for food and for opportunity.

For such a child, their chances of finishing school, of studying further, of gaining useful skills and of finding a job are much smaller.

Even now, after all the progress we have made, the circumstances of one’s birth largely determines where and how we live, where we study, where we work and where we are cared for when we are sick.

It is the greatest form of injustice. It is a stain on our national conscience.

The triumph of 1994 was about much more than being able to vote.

It was about setting right the wrongs of the past, about redress, restitution and restoration.

It was about levelling the field for the black child and the white child, and making sure they each have an equal chance in life.

The promise we made on the 27th of April 1994 can no longer be deferred.

We must make real the right of all our people to health care, food, shelter, water, social security and land.

In this final decade of the National Development Plan, we must change the pace of social and economic transformation.

As a country, we are more than capable of building a more equal society where these rights are realised.

For as long as this is delayed, freedom for some is freedom for none.

This Freedom Day, we find ourselves engaged in a struggle that has thrown into sharp focus the poverty and inequality that still defines our society.

The coronavirus pandemic forces us to confront this reality.

Though we are certainly all braving the same tide, we have not been impacted in the same way by this pandemic.

Some people have been able to endure the coronavirus lockdown in a comfortable home with a fully stocked fridge, with private medical care and online learning for their children.

For millions of others, this has been a month of misery, of breadwinners not working, of families struggling to survive and of children going to bed and waking up hungry.

The social relief measures announced last week that are now being implemented are therefore as much about narrowing the gulf of inequality as they are about supporting vulnerable citizens through this trying time.

With every day that passes, this experience is teaching us much about ourselves, about our society and about our country.

We are learning about the limits of our endurance, about our relations with others and about our very nationhood.

The true lessons of this experience will not just be about the necessity of social distancing, proper hand washing and infection control.

They will also be about whether we have the ability to turn this crisis into an opportunity to invest in a new society, a new consciousness and a new economy.

In this new society, the privileged cannot afford to close their eyes to the plight of the poor and sleep peacefully at night.

This is the time when we should actively work to build a fair and just country

In the South Africa that we all want, no man, woman or child will go hungry, because they will have the means to earn an income, and our social assistance programmes will be matched by efforts to enable communities to grow their own food.

In this new society, the provision of services to our people is the foremost priority of government.

The public servant understands that they are just that: a servant of the people.

Public representatives put the interests of the people ahead of their own.

Before this pandemic was visited on our country, we were deepening our efforts to address poverty, underdevelopment, unemployment and a weak economy.

This pandemic could set these efforts back by many years.

It will take a great deal of effort and resources for our society and our economy to recover.

The challenges we faced before this health emergency remain.

Even as we turn the tide on the coronavirus pandemic, we will still have to confront a contracting economy, unemployment, crime and corruption, a weakened state and other pressing concerns.

We will have to find new, exceptional and innovative ways to overcome them.

This is not something government can do alone.

A #FreedomDay Message from U.S. President Donald Trump to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and South Africans as they Celebrate South Africa's first multiracial elections: https://t.co/tDbgkq4bbK pic.twitter.com/xWimUin7Ly

— US Embassy SA (@USEmbassySA) April 27, 2020

The collaborative spirit with which government, business, labour and civil society formations have worked to drive the national effort to combat the coronavirus is yet another affirmation of just how far we have come.

Robust engagement, strong institutions, social compacting and consensus-building are all the fruits of the national democratic project that began in 1994.

The business community has shown itself ready and willing to support the workforce and to rally its resources to combat this disease.

The labour movement has worked with its partners in government and business not only to protect its members from the worst effects of this pandemic, but to champion the interests of the poor and unemployed.

Across society, NGOs, non-profit organisations, community bodies, religious communities and individuals are working together to defend our people against this virus and its damaging economic and social effects.

In doing so, they have demonstrated the solidarity and compassion that is at the centre of the concept of ubuntu.

As President Nelson Mandela said: “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

Respect for the rights of others is the beating heart of freedom.

Violating the coronavirus response provisions and exposing others to a potentially fatal illness is the worst form of disrespect for others.

This pandemic has changed the face of humankind, not just our country.

It has reminded us of our own mortality, but also of how interconnected we are.

If we did not realise it before, we all know it now – that our interdependence is key to our very survival as a people.

This Freedom Day let us stand united against this disease.

Let us also stand united against poverty, inequality and hunger.

We can only overcome this crisis and rebuild our shattered economy if we work together.

Let the good that has come from this experience – of collective action and unity of purpose – continue.

Let the generosity of spirit endure.

We owe it to the memories of those who came before us to live the values they cherished, of empathy, compassion and solidarity.

As we are reminded this Freedom Day, we have known far worse and we have prevailed.

Let us keep our arms locked together in a column of defence against this pandemic, a united people.

Let us use this crisis to reaffirm our resolve to fundamentally change our society.

Let us emerge from the coronavirus pandemic a better country, a more equal country.

This year, we are celebrating Freedom Day apart, each of us confined to our homes.

Next year – through your determination, through your courage and through your actions – we will once again celebrate Freedom Day together.

I wish you all a happy and, above all, a safe and peaceful Freedom Day.

I thank you.

Spain counts 331 new virus deaths in 24 hours - government 

Madrid – Spain on Monday counted another 331 new virus deaths, with the overnight toll rising by several dozen from its lowest level in more than a month.

The figure raised the overall toll to 23 521 in Spain, which has suffered the world's third-highest number of deaths but which on Sunday began easing the conditions of its lockdown, allowing children out to play for the first time in six weeks.

 - AFP

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver his address in line with Freedom Day shortly.

ICYMI: 

French police seize 140 000 black market face masks 

Bobigny – French police have seized 140 000 face masks intended for the black market in a record haul since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

It is the largest seizure since the French government banned the resale of protective masks to prioritise their distribution to health workers in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Two individuals were arrested while they were unloading boxes in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris, a police source said on Sunday.

One of them said he was a business owner and had bought the masks, including 5 000 high protection FFP2 masks, in the Netherlands for a total of 80 000 euros.

The masks were to be sold to construction workers for a large profit, according to police.

In March, 32 500 masks from China were seized from a warehouse near Paris and 28 800 masks were discovered in a shop in a district of Chinese wholesalers, also in the Paris region.

 - AFP 

WATCH | Making the most of lockdown: Fun with four-legged companions

As South Africa enters its fifth week of a nationwide lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus, pet owners have had more than enough time to spend with their four-legged companions. Walks in the park have turned into walks in the yard, but some owners have taken it upon themselves to have a little more fun in the sun with their beloved pets.

Coronavirus: Gauteng tested 13 500 people, preparing to ease lockdown to Level 4 

The Gauteng Department of Health has tested more than 13 500 people and screened around 1.2 million people for Covid-19 in the province, as it prepares for the move to Level 4 of the national lockdown.

In a statement on Monday, the department said since embarking on its testing campaign at the beginning of April, about 8% of the province's population has been screened for the virus.

Of that, 13 558 people have been tested for Covid-19.

"The province is currently [sitting] at 1 331 positive cases, 8 deaths and 868 recoveries," the department said.

ICYMI: 

97 people arrested as Gauteng cracks down on lockdown contraventions 

Nearly 100 people have been arrested for lockdown infringements during an operation over the weekend in Tshwane East.

The operation, led by Police Minister Bheki Cele and Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko, included various roadblocks and hotspots in Mamelodi East, Eersterus, Nellmapius and Silverton.

During the operation, 97 people were arrested on various contraventions and police also recovered an illegal firearm at one of the roadblocks.

US records 1 330 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours - Johns Hopkins

Washington – The United States recorded 1 330 more novel coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, according to figures reported late on Sunday by the Johns Hopkins University.

The country now has an overall death toll of 54 841, with 964 937 confirmed infections, according to a tally by the Baltimore-based institution at 20:30 (00:30 GMT Monday).

The United States is by far the hardest-hit country in the global pandemic, in terms of both confirmed infections and deaths.

The 24-hour US death toll was 2 494 late on Saturday, and 1 258 on Friday evening – the lowest in nearly three weeks – as the government struggles to quell the virus.

 - AFP

PICS | 200 Cuban health workers touch down in SA to boost Covid-19 fight

More than 200 Cuban health professionals touched down in South Africa in the early hours of Monday morning, greeted by South African and Cuban politicians alike as the "army of the white gowns". The specialised Cuban medical brigade is made up of family physicians, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, healthcare technology engineers, biotechnology experts and other specialists.

OPINION | Adriaan Basson: It's the health system AND the economy, stupid 

The economy and a functioning healthcare system are not two opposing forces, as some 'truthers' want us to believe, writes Adriaan Basson. 

The Collins Dictionary defines a "truther" as follows: "A person who rejects the widely accepted account of an event, believing instead that an official conspiracy exists to cover up the truth". 

Never before in our lifetime has a crisis brought forward so many truthers in our midst. And I’m not only referring to the inject-yourself-with-bleach crazies in the White House and on Facebook.

Some of them have fancy titles and are quoted regularly on radio, TV and in newspapers. It has become fashionable in these circles to portray President Cyril Ramaphosa and his executive as utterly incompetent and hellbent on destroying the economy.

Cuban health specialists have arrived in SA to assist in the efforts against the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

WATCH | Franschhoek's top chefs cook thousands of meals for the community

Many South Africans have stayed home for the past several weeks as the country tries to flatten the curve against Covid-19. For some, not going to work to earn a living has meant surviving off the little they have in their homes.

Coronavirus morning update: SA cases now more than 4 500, as KZN premier warns on eThekwini

Your latest coronavirus news: Cases in SA are now more than 4 500, as deaths rose to 87; and eThekwini may face intensified lockdown measures while the rest of the country moves to Level 4; according to the KwaZulu-Natal premier.

As the country is about ease Covid-19 lockdown regulations, preventive behaviour change has to be intensified, found a new study by the Human Sciences Research Council.

The survey, which was carried out between 7 April and 14 April and had over 19 000 respondents, was set out to understand what South Africans know, and how they are reacting, to the Covid-19 emergency. The findings showed that:

"We may become victims of the successes gained during the lockdown if preventive behaviours are not intensified," said Professor Priscilla Reddy who led the study.

Here are some of our popular stories of the day:

Playing dirty with food parcels seems to be gaining momentum across the country as complaints stream in against ANC members. News24 sister publication reports on claims of the sale of food parcels at excessive prices and alleged preferential treatment being given to friends and families of ANC members when it comes to distributing food aid.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala warned that eThekwini may remain under stricter lockdown regulations, compared to other districts, due to new cases increasing by more than 10 patients a day.

He also raised concerns of a new crime trend seeing alleged criminals posing as funeral parlour employees. In one incident, two alleged drug dealers were arrested after allegedly caught in possession of 80kg of dagga stashed in a coffin they were transporting.

In Cape Town, the Philippi East and Cape Town Central police stations have temporarily closed, and their officers relocated, to allow for decontamination to take place following cases of Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Police Minister Bheki Cele has issued an apology to the Muslim community for blasphemous remarks made during the arrest of congregants in Mpumalanga.

Here are some of the latest Covid-19 news from around the world:

N95 mask inventor Peter Tsai comes out of retirement to help fight Covid-19 outbreak: As researchers scramble to find a way to safely disinfect N95 masks for reuse, many are turning to the man behind its virus-blocking technology.

China confiscates faulty masks, disinfectants set to be exported: China has confiscated over 89 million poor quality face masks as Beijing faces a slew of complaints about faulty protective gear exported worldwide.

UK resists calls to ease lockdown as Johnson set to return to work: Boris Johnson will return to work at the start of the week as pressure increases on the UK government over its handling of the coronavirus crisis which has claimed more than 20 000 lives.

Lockdowns ease as global infections near 3 million: Spanish children were allowed outside on Sunday for the first time in six weeks as countries eased lockdown measures and reopen economies gutted by the coronavirus pandemic that has infected nearly three million people worldwide.

How centuries of religious and cultural practices are changing under lockdown: The coronavirus lockdown has isolated us from loved ones. Start Here looks into how millions of people are coping.

Stay healthy and entertained during the national lockdown. Sign up for our Lockdown Living newsletter. Register and manage your newsletters in the new News24 app by clicking on the Profile tab

Take a look at News24's Covid-19 tracker

We have you covered on all the latest figures and up to date coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa is 4 546, Health Minister  Zwelini Mkhize announced in a statement on Sunday night.

The total number of tests conducted to date is 168 643, of which 7 639 were done in the last 24 hours.

"We regrettably report another COVID-19 related death (1) in the Western Cape, which increases the total number of deaths to 87. We convey condolences to the family and appreciate our frontline workers who treated this patient."

Lockdown: A quarter of South Africans have no money for food - survey

The majority of people responding to a survey by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) believe that the national lockdown will impact on their financial security.

Between 45% and 63% of people reported that the lockdown would make it difficult to pay bills, debts, earn income, feed their families and keep their jobs.

Additionally, 26% of people reported that they had no money for food, announced Priscilla Reddy, extraordinary professor at the HSRC, in a presentation of the findings on Sunday.

More than half (55%) of informal settlement residents had no money for food and, about two-thirds of residents from townships, also had no money for food, the survey found.

It takes police, army and traffic officers to keep Mahikeng indoors

Their front line position in the enforcement of the Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown regulations has automatically placed police and the army at the receiving end of the public’s wrath.

They often get yelled at and at times insulted by the angry members of the public.

Such was the scene at one intersection in Mahikeng, North West, where there was a security checkpoint this week. 

Legal experts have weighed in on how companies can prepare the workplace during and post the lockdown, which was implemented last month to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

A panel consisting of the directors of law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr - Fiona Leppan, Gillian Lumb and Michael Yeates - hosted a webinar on Friday, discussing the legal employment implications for returning to work after the lockdown and the push for employers to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

As a result of the lockdown, which kicked in at midnight on 26 March, some employees have not been able to work, while others are on the frontline of the fight against the virus or had to work remotely from home.

China has confiscated over 89 million poor quality face masks, a government official said on Sunday, as Beijing faces a slew of complaints about faulty protective gear exported worldwide.

Demand for protective equipment has soared as nations across the globe battle the deadly coronavirus, which has infected nearly 2.9 million people.

Dutch health officials last month recalled over half a million Chinese masks - which had already been sent to hospitals - after complaints that they did not close over the face properly, or had defective filters.

Many unknowns about Covid-19 as parents fret over reopening of schools

There is a lot that is still unknown about the Covid-19 coronavirus, the global pandemic first identified just over four months ago in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China.

Chief among the unknowns is why this disease has a seemingly milder clinical course in children than in adults.

And as parents wait to hear what will become of this school year from Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga tomorrow, a major concern for most of them will be the fear of their children contracting the disease once back at school.

Level 4: Things you will be able to do from Friday that you can't do now

The strict lockdown in South Africa, to curb the spread of the coronavirus, will be somewhat relaxed from May 1st.  

Alcohol and public gatherings remain prohibited, and wearing cloth masks in public will become required. 

But an estimated 1.5 million people will return to work, and you will be able to order takeouts.

The world's governments are under pressure to increase testing for the new coronavirus, officially named SARS-CoV-2, which has infected more than 2.6 million people worldwide, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre.

To that end, six researchers sought to look into the potential diagnostic value of saliva, by looking closely at existing studies on saliva and Covid-19. They concluded that saliva swabs can be effective and yield quicker results – if done correctly.

Spanish children were allowed outside on Sunday for the first time in six weeks as countries prepared to ease lockdown measures and reopen economies gutted by the coronavirus despite the worldwide death toll surpassing 200 000.

Governments from Belgium to the United States are gearing up for a partial reopening in an attempt to restore normality for nearly half of humanity forced into some form of confinement due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Zimbabwe lockdown: The cost of Harare's demolitions for informal traders

The Harare City Council in Zimbabwe began demolishing illegal structures across the capital city.

Spokesperson for Council Michael Chideme said the municipality was taking advantage of low human traffic during the lockdown to move the stands to properly designated sites.

There were, however, fears that some of the informal businesses that were operating illegally, could not be accommodated at the designated sites.

The law cannot be static or cast in stone during Covid-19

There is nothing normal about working in a Covid-19 world. When people tell us that the law is not working, we need to listen to them and change it, writes Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola.

The first coronavirus infections in Italy date back to January, according to a scientific study presented on Friday, shedding new light on the origins of the outbreak in one of the world's worst-affected countries.

Italy began testing people after diagnosing its first local patient on 21 February in Codogno, a small town in the wealthy Lombardy region. Cases and deaths immediately surged, with scientists soon suspecting that the virus had been around, unnoticed, for weeks.

 Explained: How the government will decide to allow alcohol sales again

The country will be under Level 4 lockdown from 1 May, but this does not mean that you can celebrate with your favourite drink on that date. Alcohol sales will still be banned until South Africa reaches a Level 3 lockdown.

According to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, government considered a set of data to determine this.