News24.com | LIVE | Tobacco saga rages on\, travel ‘grace period’ ends\, govt allows a period for moving house

LIVE | Tobacco saga rages on, travel ‘grace period’ ends, govt allows a period for moving house

2020-05-08 07:00

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Last Updated at 07:49
07:20

In case you missed it:

The tobacco saga continues to rage on, with the Presidency today telling News24 that minutes to a government meeting which ended in a decision to keep the selling of tobacco outlawed during lockdown is classified. The government indicated that it will oppose court challenges which look to allow for the sale of tobacco.

The “grace period” for travelling between provinces has passed. Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula ended the grace period at midnight on Thursday. The government had allowed a once-off journey for people who needed to cross provinces to return to work.

South Africans can move house again, as long as the country does not go back up to Alert Level 5. This is according to new regulations which say people and their household effects may move around South Africa on a once-off basis – even across provincial lines. But there are terms and conditions – including that any move must happen by 7 June.
07:02

- As Europe and the US loosen their lockdowns against the coronavirus, health experts are expressing growing dread over what they say is an all-but-certain second wave of deaths and infections that could force governments to clamp back down

- The coronavirus pandemic could kill between 83,000 and 190,000 people in Africa in the first year and infect between 29 million and 44 million during that period if it is not contained, the WHO has warned.

- Russia's coronavirus cases, which now stand at over 177,000, have overtaken France and Germany to become the fifth-highest total in the world after a record daily rise.

- Almost 269,000 reported killed worldwide from the deadly disease with cases up to 3.8 million and 1.3 recovered. Cases in the US 1.25 million with 75,500 deaths.

(Al Jazeera)
06:54
Melanie Verwoerd: Are the conspiracy theories true?

The president and his ministers have to make impossible choices every day during this crisis - not least sacrificing the economy in order to save lives, writes Melanie Verwoerd.
06:20
Foreign-trained doctors turn to the courts to be able to work in SA

More than 100 South African doctors who studied overseas are in limbo because the country's presiding medical board is allegedly preventing them from writing an exam that would allow them to practise in their home country.
05:38

Horse racing industry pleads for partial re-opening to save jobs

 

The horse racing authority is pleading for a partial restart of the industry under Level 4 of the lockdown, warning that a prolonged suspension of activity could lead to massive financial impact and job losses.
05:36

Coronavirus morning update: Latest on cigarettes, schools warned, and how travel bans saved lives

 

Government has formally indicated that it will oppose a far-reaching court challenge to the lockdown cigarette sales ban; the Department of Basic Education has warned all schools against reopening prematurely; and millions more people would have been in danger had travel bans not been enforced.
21:56
The SA death toll for Covid-19 has risen to 161, while the number of cases has jumped to 8 232 - an increase of 424.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said today that the Western Cape - which is the epicentre - is suffering a “cluster outbreak”, where portions of the province has high levels of positive cases. The province has just under half of all positive cases in the country.

Here are the top stories of the day

The tobacco saga continues to rage on, with the Presidency today telling News24 that minutes to a government meeting which ended in a decision to keep the selling of tobacco outlawed during lockdown is classified. The government indicated that it will oppose court challenges which look to allow for the sale of tobacco.

By the time you read this, the “grace period” for travelling between provinces has likely passed. Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula ended the grace period at midnight on Thursday. The government had allowed a once-off journey for people who needed to cross provinces to return to work.

 As of tonight, South Africans can move house again, as long as the country does not go back up to Alert Level 5. This is according to new regulations which say people and their household effects may move around South Africa on a once-off basis – even across provincial lines. But there are terms and conditions – including that any move must happen by 7 June.
 And a virtual National Assembly meeting held this morning was interrupted by pornographic images and a man’s voice insulting Speaker Thandi Modise.

International news at a glance

African think tanks and economists have warned that countries need to find the correct balance between saving lives and preserving economies. This comes as citizens in some African countries grow impatient under the economic strain of lockdown.

Thousands of migrants have been left stranded by the coronavirus pandemic, unable to move due to lockdowns and border closures around the globe, the United Nations says. Some are stuck in countries, while others are stranded on migratory routes.

DR Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso on Thursday said his country was requesting emergency aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of up to half a billion dollars.

Senegal's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a ban on repatriating the bodies of citizens living abroad who have died of coronavirus, rejecting a submission from their distraught relatives.

Japan on Thursday authorised the antiviral drug remdesivir to treat coronavirus patients, the government said, with an eye to approving another medication Avigan this month.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes between 83 000 to 190 000 people could die from Covid-19 in Africa, with as many as 44 million people likely to contract the virus.

Stay informed with News24

List | You can be fined R5 000 for breaking these regulations
Can I move house? | Yes - but only until 7 June
Get involved | Here’s how you can help those in need
The workplace | Here’s how the new office set up should be
Hungry? | Here’s the latest on fast food restaurants’ reopeningsr
Transport | Level 4 lockdown rules for cars and taxis
The numbers | Covid-19 in South Africa statistics
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms

Pictured: A mural dedicated to medical staff by Belgian graffiti artist Bram De Ceurt in Antwerp, Belgium. (Getty Images)
21:11
UN pleads for more funding, Japan approves treatment - International Covid-19 news

Japan on Thursday authorised the antiviral drug remdesivir to treat coronavirus patients, the government said, with an eye to approving another medication Avigan this month.

Meanwhile, the United Nations on Thursday issued a new appeal for $4.7 billion in funding to "protect millions of lives and stem the spread of coronavirus in fragile countries."

And the World Health Organisation (WHO) believes between 83 000 to 190 000 people could die from Covid-19 in Africa, with as many as 44 million people likely to contract the virus.

Pictured: Women in India wears a protective masks while riding on a scooter after the country relaxed some lockdown rules. (STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
20:24
More than 8 000 Covid-19 cases in SA

The death toll for Covid-19 has risen to 161, while the number of cases has jumped to 8 232 - an increase of 424, Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize has said.

Eight new deaths have been recorded - six in the Western Cape and two in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The Minister was speaking at the Ithuba offices in Sandton, where he had accepted a donation of protective gear for medical staff.

Police Minister Bheki Cele joined Mkhize at the ceremony.

The Minister said the Western Cape - which is the epicentre - is suffering a “cluster outbreak”, where portions of the province has high levels of positive cases. The province has just under half of all positive cases in the country.

Mkhize said the government will visit the province to try to “reign in” the spread.

Mkhize reiterated the importance of people wearing protective masks. 
19:57
Western Cape has 4 049 cases, 76 deaths, and 1 333 recoveries

The Western Cape province had, as of Thursday, recorded 4 049 confirmed cases of Covid-19, Premier Alan Winde said in an update. 

He also said the number of deaths had risen to 76. Winde added that there were 1 333 recoveries and 2 640 active cases. 

The Western Cape continues to be the epicentre of the virus, followed by Gauteng. 
19:47
You have a one month window to move house

As of tonight, South Africans can move house again, as long as the country does not go back up to Alert Level 5.

Under regulations published by cooperative governance and traditional affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, people and their household effects may move around South Africa on a once-off basis – even across provincial lines.

But there are terms and conditions – including that any move must happen by 7 June.
19:17
Congo needs $500 mln to recover, informal workers suffering - international Covid-19 news

Poverty levels are surging among the world's two billion informal workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, the UN said Thursday, warning many were left to choose between risking infection and putting food on the table.

Meanwhile, Senegal's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a ban on repatriating the bodies of citizens living abroad who have died of coronavirus, rejecting a submission from their distraught relatives.

DR Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso on Thursday said his country was requesting emergency aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of up to half a billion dollars. 

Pictured: A Chinese woman wears a protective mask as she walks during a snowfall in an empty and shuttered commercial street in Beijing. (Getty Images)
18:27
As many as 190 000 people in Africa could die from Covid-19 - WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes between 83 000 to 190 000 people could die from Covid-19 in Africa, with as many as 44 million people likely to contract the virus.

These estimates are based on the risk of transmission specific to each African country.

The model predicts the observed slower rate of transmission, lower age of people with severe disease and lower mortality rates compared to what is seen in the most affected countries in the rest of the world.

This is largely driven by social and environmental factors slowing the transmission, and a younger population that has benefitted from the control of communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis to reduce possible vulnerabilities.

The lower rate of transmission, however, suggests a more prolonged outbreak over a few years, according to the study which also revealed that smaller African countries alongside Algeria, South Africa and Cameroon were at a high risk if containment measures are not prioritized. 

The predicted number of cases that would require hospitalization would overwhelm the available medical capacity in much of Africa. There would be an estimated 3.6 million–5.5 million Covid-19 hospitalizations, of which 82 000–167 000 would be severe cases requiring oxygen, and 52 000–107 000 would be critical cases requiring breathing support. Such a huge number of patients in hospitals would severely strain the health capacities of countries.
17:41
The latest on the fight for tobacco, a warning to schools looking to open early, transport 'grace period' to end

Here are stories from today that you may have missed

The tobacco saga continues to rage on, with the Presidency today telling News24 that minutes to a government meeting which ended in a decision to keep the selling of tobacco outlawed during lockdown is classified. The government indicated that it will oppose court challenges which look to allow for the sale of tobacco.

The Department of Basic Education has warned schools looking to open early, saying that would not be permitted. The department said it was aware of some independent, private and public schools that were already preparing to reopen much earlier than required.

Meanwhile, the inter-province “grace period” for travelling ends at midnight tonight, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said. The government allowed a once-off journey for people who needed to cross provinces to return to work.

Be warned: you could face a fine of up to R5 000 for breaking a host of lockdown rules, including executing an eviction order, joining illegal gatherings in public places, and intentionally exposing another person to Covid-19. We have prepared a full list.

And a virtual National Assembly meeting held this morning was interrupted by pornographic images and a man’s voice insulting Speaker Thandi Modise.


17:26
Migrants stranded all over the world, more apply for unemployment in US - international Covid-19 news

Thousands of migrants have been left stranded by the coronavirus pandemic, unable to move due to lockdowns and border closures around the globe, the United Nations says. Some are stuck in countries, while others are stranded on migratory routes. 

Meanwhile, new claims for unemployment benefits filed by US workers declined slightly last week, but were still a staggering 3.2 million, government data says.

And Pakistan will begin easing its nationwide lockdown over the weekend, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday, citing the economic havoc the measures have wreaked. This is despite increased testing showing a rise in new coronavirus cases.

Pictured is a woman walking her dog near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, as France begins to ease its lockdowns. (Getty Images)
16:35
Opening of schools too soon is not permitted, warns education dept

The department said it was aware of some independent, private and public schools that were already preparing to reopen much earlier than required.

Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said some schools had even received pupils ahead of the schedule announced by Minister Angie Motshekga.
16:21
Covid-19 testing figures reaching 100 000 in Gauteng - here is a breakdown of the numbers

Premier David Makhura said at a briefing on Thursday that the province's "testing is targeted, we are not doing it indiscriminately, and we are looking at vulnerable communities".

Covid-19 testing figures in the densely populated province of Gauteng is sitting at 92 272, which is the highest number of tests conducted in the country.
15:53
Donald Trump won't wear a mask in public because he's afraid he might look ridiculous

President Donald Trump is worried wearing a face mask in public could ruin his chances of being reelected, according to a new report from the Associated Press (AP).
15:15
Keeping you up to date on the latest novel coronavirus (Covid-19) news from around the world

China slams US after Trump virus 'attack' claim, India repatriation to begin and Poland, Syria postpone elections due to pandemic.
15:06
OPINION: We can beat Covid-19 by outsmarting our old habits and forming new and different ones

Tragic events shape people and nations. Communities and nations are changed by events. Covid-19 is changing our destiny, and the destiny of nations and communities forever, writes Anna Mokgokong.
15:00
14:56
14:18
You can now order from Exclusive Books on Uber Eats

Uber Eats now delivers books from Exclusive Books. The food delivery service made the announcement on Thursday. The chain's full range of books will be available, and delivery is free for the month of May.
13:48
You can be fined up to R5 000 for breaking these lockdown rules

If you breach lockdown regulations, you can be fined as much as R5 000 and end up with a criminal record. Offences include being caught with liquor or spreading fake news about Covid-19. 
13:36
Government refuses to show minutes of cigarette ban U-turn, says it's 'classified'

Government has formally indicated that it will oppose a far-reaching court challenge to the lockdown cigarette sales ban – and has also made it clear that it will not hand over minutes of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) discussions regarding the ban because they are "classified".
13:33
13:32
A Covid-19 payment holiday may – but shouldn’t – mess with your credit record. Here’s how to check

Payment holidays or extended payment deals on debt granted due to the Covid-19 disaster shouldn't mess with your credit record and ability to get more debt in future – unless the credit provider gets things wrong.
13:14
13:14
13:01
13:01
12:50
Coronavirus: Concern as 56 people entering Eastern Cape during 'grace period' test positive

At least 56 people who travelled from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape during the lockdown travel "grace period" to cross provincial borders have tested positive for Covid-19, the Eastern Cape health department said on Thursday.
12:50
Coronavirus: Concern as 56 people entering Eastern Cape during 'grace period' test positive

At least 56 people who travelled from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape during the lockdown travel "grace period" to cross provincial borders have tested positive for Covid-19, the Eastern Cape health department said on Thursday.
12:28
Orlando Pirates player tests positive for Covid-19

Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have confirmed that one of their players has tested positive for Covid-19.

The Buccaneers on Thursday confirmed that midfielder Ben Motshwari presented with flu like symptoms last week and after undergoing tests, his result has come back positive.
12:06
Covid-19 international wrap:

UK to review easing of lockdown, German police target suspected Islamists over virus fraud, Duterte urged to free jailed senator
11:43
Can you be arrested for not wearing a face mask? The dangers of vague regulations

The lack of clarity around Level 4 regulations of the national Covid-19 lockdown has left much to interpretation as to whether people can be arrested and detained for contravening newly implemented laws.

One example is the regulation concerning wearing masks in public. It does not specify whether not wearing a mask is an offence that warrants arrest and detention.
11:36
SA knows too little about Covid-19, some hospitals will be overwhelmed - top scientist warns

One of government's top epidemiologists says there is "considerable uncertainty" over the spread of the coronavirus and the effectiveness of the state and people's interventions to slow the spread of Covid-19.
11:16
11:15
"We have distributed almost 83 000 food parcels in Gauteng and more than 10 000 in the West Rand. We distribute our food in a dignified way. We need to intervene in colored communities" said Lesufi (@ntwaagae)
11:15
"Make us proud and distribute to the needy. I don't want to be part of a commission after coronavirus. It must be in a cost effective manner that food reaches our people," said Lesufi (@ntwaagae)
11:14
11:07
11:06
09:15

Brazil presidential spokesperson tests positive, Trump says task force being 'refocused' and Australia fears suicide spike due to shutdown

- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's spokesperson has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the government said Wednesday, the latest case to hit close to the far-right leader, who rejects social distancing measures.

- United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday reversed course on plans to wind down his coronavirus task force, telling reporters at the White House that - contrary to earlier statements by Vice President Mike Pence - the task force is not being dismantled, but instead refocused.

- Thousands of Australians are expected to take their own lives because of the financial and psychological stress of the coronavirus crisis, far outstripping the death toll from the disease itself, experts warned on Thursday.
08:59
eNCA morning anchors off air but 'not suspended', following Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma remarks

News anchors Xoli Mngambi and Jane Dutton have not been on air since Tuesday morning, but eNCA insists that they have not been suspended.

On Tuesday, Mngambi and Dutton issued an on-air apology for comments made during an eNCA news broadcast on Monday that implied that Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma had undermined President Cyril Ramaphosa's authority when banning the sale of tobacco during Level 4 of the national Covid-19 lockdown.
08:58
'Implementation of lockdown has made us a begging nation' - advocate responds to Presidency

Advocate Nazeer Cassim SC has hit back at the Office of the President after it wrote a sharply-worded letter to the high-profile advocate and his colleague Erin-Dianne Richards.
07 May 07:46
These are the 'priority matters' SA courts will hear during lockdown - Ronald Lamola

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola issues new directives to ensure only priority cases will be heard by the country's courts for the duration of the Level 4 lockdown.
07 May 07:40

You can order a 5-course meal from some of SA’s top restaurants – at cut-rate prices

Some of SA's best restaurants are now offering deliveries. The tasting menus on offer are much cheaper than what you would pay in a restaurant.
07 May 07:21

SA expats' hopes to return to work in Saudi Arabia dashed

While most countries across the globe remain on coronavirus alert, there is simply nothing that can be done to facilitate the return of more than 100 South African healthcare workers to Saudi Arabia.

This according to the Saudi embassy, which said the kingdom was doing this in the interest of its own citizens.
07 May 07:13
News24 is looking for SA's Covid-19 Everyday Heroes

As South Africa prepares for the peak of the coronavirus outbreak, News24 is looking for everyday heroes who will help their communities survive this crisis.

Aside from frontline healthcare workers, and essential workers, South Africans are playing an increasingly important role to take care of their communities every day, and to improve their circumstances.

Help us by nominating an Everyday Hero in your community today.
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