MPs concerned Covid-19 will cause backlog in courts

Members of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services is concerned about the backlog the Covid-19 pandemic will cause in South Africa's high courts.

The Office of the Chief Justice met with the committee on Tuesday.

Several MPs enquired how the pandemic would affect the administering of justice, particularly if it created backlogs in cases before the high courts, which is administered by the Office of the Chief Justice.

Another Cape Town police station closes over Covid-19

Yet another Cape Town police station has been closed due to exposure to a Covid-19 case - this time in the suburb of Table View. 

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said Table View police station's community service centre was currently operating from a mobile structure in the parking lot as the facility was being decontaminated.

Tygerberg Hospital staff protest over PPE, transport on International Nurses Day

A special event to commemorate International Nurses Day on Tuesday at Tygerberg Hospital was interrupted by protesting staff, who charge that they do not have adequate protective gear and are being financially crippled by the expense of travelling to work during the lockdown.

The hospital's labour caucus – comprising, among others, the Public and Allied Workers Union, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union – led the protest, which saw caucus member Abdul Hadee Vent plead with Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo for intervention between staff and management.

5.5 years to pay: How SA’s just-opened R200bn Covid-19 loan scheme works

Small businesses – and ones with an annual turnover of up to R300 million – can now apply for special government-backed Covid-19 loans from South Africa's commercial banks.

Absa, First National Bank, Investec, Mercantile Bank, Nedbank, Capitec, and Standard Bank are now accepting applications under the scheme, the Reserve Bank said on Tuesday, though "discussions are under way to enable more banks to participate".

Daughter fears for father after 4 residents, 11 staff infected at Cape Town care home

A care home in Cape Town, Nazareth House, has recorded four cases of Covid-19 among residents and 11 among staff, and a terminally ill resident who died was also found to have the virus, according to a letter sent by its CEO and seen by News24.

The infected cases are largely contained to one of the home's two properties in Vredehoek, known as The Villa, according to the letter sent on 8 May to family of residents who stay at the home.

The facility was undergoing a deep clean and was due to be sanitised this past Saturday, the letter read.

Happiness index drops as South Africans' spirits dampen under lockdown

The lockdown, more particularly the alcohol sales ban and economic uncertainty, has dampened the spirits of many South Africans and has affected happiness levels in the country, according to a study by professors at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Auckland University of Technology.

UJ Professor Talita Greyling and Auckland University's Dr Stephanie Rossouw based the findings of their study, South Africa's Happiness Index, on Twitter posts and analysis of the emotions of South Africans.

Wuhan orders all its 11 million residents be tested for the coronavirus after 6 new cases found

The city of Wuhan on Monday ordered all its 11 million residents to be tested for the coronavirus on Monday after discovering six new cases over the weekend.

Five people from the Sanmin residential compound in the city's East West Lake district tested positive on Sunday.

They were all linked to an 89-year-old man who tested positive on Saturday.

Tygerberg hospital counters claim that staff told to use bleach to sanitise ward

Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town said on Tuesday that it followed provincial health guidelines on decontamination after a cleaner reportedly claimed they were told to use bleach to sanitise a ward where a nurse, who recently died of Covid-19, worked. 

IOL reported that the cleaner alleged that they were told to use Jik and other cleaning products to sanitise the J Ground.

This followed the infection and death of nurse Ntombizakithi Ngidi last week.

There’s a workaround to apply for the R350 Sassa Covid-19 grant, via the web – here’s how

The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) has a web platform – which is, testing suggests, not yet faltering under heavy load – for applications for the R350-per-month temporary Covid-19 grant.

Mkhize reiterates that nurses without PPEs will not be allowed to care for patients

Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize has affirmed his department's commitment that no nurse will be allowed to care for patients without the appropriate protective equipment as the country battles the spread of Covid-19. 

Mkhize was speaking at a candlelight ceremony in commemoration of International Nurses Day at King Edward Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.

MECs for health and some healthcare workers from all provinces took part in the ceremony via Zoom.

Come out and address us, Mr President - John Steenhuisen

DA leader John Steenhuisen has questioned why President Cyril Ramaphosa has not addressed the nation about government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic in nearly three weeks.

The interim opposition party leader has called for transparency from the president, saying the first step would be weekly national addresses, as well as question-and-answer sessions with the media.

These are the hottest products in demand in SA stores - including hair dye and bleach

South Africa’s lockdown has led to some interesting retail trends - like a spike in the sale of non-alcoholic beverages, and pineapples - but there have been several other products that are currently in hot demand across supermarkets.

Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets saw a “major spike” in the sale of bleach and other household cleaning products - which the group attributes to an increased interest in hygiene, and additionally more time to do some home spring cleaning.

To commemorate International Nurses Day on Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed nurses for their "bravery, hard work and commitment" in the fight against Covid-19.

Ramaphosa said the nation owed its well-being to the untiring commitment of nurses, saying their positive impact on people's lives went beyond physical health.

He described them as community leaders, mentors, counsellors and educators providing psychosocial support to people.

US agencies, cybersecurity experts say Chinese hacking coronavirus vaccine research - reports

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and cybersecurity experts believe Chinese hackers are trying to steal research on developing a vaccine against the novel coronavirus, two newspapers reported on Monday.

Lockdown | Even as an essential service, we won't emerge unscathed, says PnP CEO

Despite being able to operate during the current lockdown, Pick 'n Pay says no business is going to emerge on the other side of the coronavirus pandemic unscathed.

EXPLAINER | Do we know when SA is dropping from Level 4, and what happens at Level 3?

As South Africa enters 48 days since the national lockdown was enforced, and 12 days since the country entered lockdown Level 4, many are asking when restrictions will be eased.

There will be 'nothing left' of tourism industry if it can only reopen in December, warns CEO

There will be "nothing left" of South Africa's tourism industry if it is only able to start operating in general again in December - as seems likely in light of current coronavirus projections - Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, the CEO of the Tourism Business Council of SA, has warned.

WATCH | CT company creates proteins in plants to be used in rapid diagnostic test kit for Covid-19

Cape Bio Pharms is a Cape Town-based company using biotechnology to manufacture Covid-19 proteins in plants.

The proteins, called antigens, are used in rapid-diagnostic test kits that detect antibodies against the virus in a person's blood. This indicates whether they have been exposed to the virus at some point.

Cabinet meeting on Tuesday over NCCC terms of reference

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to convene a special Cabinet meeting at 14:00 on Tuesday which is expected to relook the terms of reference of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and consider the legal action it is facing.

R350 unemployment grant: After many failed attempts, we finally found a way to apply

Applications for the temporary Covid-19 grant for people with no other income or state support officially opened for applications on Monday – if only in theory.

Coronavirus status  

Free State: 135

Gauteng: 2 014

KwaZulu-Natal: 1394

Limpopo: 54

Mpumalanga: 63

North West: 51

Northern Cape: 30

Western Cape: 6 105

Eastern Cape: 1 504

Total cases: 11 350  

Total tests: 369 697

Covid-19 wrap: Fauci warns of 'needless death', 5 die in hospital fire and Wuhan to test entire city

Keeping you up to date on the latest novel coronavirus (Covid-19) news from around the world.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize salutes nurses working during the coronavirus pandemic.  

You are often the one who holds the hand and closes the eye in the last moment  

Council for Medical Schemes chairperson dies of Covid-19 complications

The chairperson of the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) Dr Clarence Mini has died from Covid-19 complications, the council body confirmed on Tuesday.

'You've been very good to me' - cheers, tears as Cape Town coronavirus patient is discharged

Shirley Horton sobbed as she threw her arms around her husband, Ken, as he left the Mediclinic Durbanville in Cape Town following his treatment for Covid-19.

Covid-19 wrap: France daily toll rises, Boris Johnson under pressure and Twitter flags misinformation

Keeping you up to date on the latest novel coronavirus (Covid-19) news from around the world.

OPINION: Prolonged lockdown may not be effective in containing the contagion

At present, the lockdown is paradoxically reducing our ability to monitor the spread of the disease until patients fall sick and require medical attention, which puts a strain on our healthcare system, writes Lorenzo Fioramonti.

China reports no more new domestic coronavirus cases after weekend spike

China reported no new domestic coronavirus infections on Tuesday, after two consecutive days of double-digit increases fuelled fears of a second wave of infections.

Sifiso Ntombela | Post-coronavirus recovery - a chance to review SA's trade policies

The coronavirus has affected the entire global population, with more than four million people confirmed to have contracted the virus, and the number of infected individuals growing every hour.

Back to school: Only Gauteng and Western Cape ready to reopen - report

Education MECs representing Gauteng and Western Cape are the only ones who have indicated that they are ready to reopen schools.

WATCH | Gauteng transport MEC inspects safety measures at Soweto taxi rank, bus depot

Gauteng Transport MEC Jacob Mamabolo visited the Bara Taxi Rank in Soweto on Monday where a new walk-through sanitising pod was tested.

White House staff wear masks | UK school decision slammed: WATCH the top world news videos for today

Trump requires White House staff to wear face masks | UK government decision to open schools 'premature and reckless', says head of teachers' union; here are the top world news videos for today.

Game now sells food and groceries on Uber Eats – sometimes for cheaper than competitors do in store

As of this week Uber Eats is delivering a wide range of the essentials that stores may sell from Game. That includes a long list of dry and frozen food, groceries and cleaning supplies, pet food, and baby products – down to 5kg bags of maize meal.

Gabola Church pastor and wife arrested for conducting church service during lockdown

A pastor and his wife from the popular Gabola Church for All Nations in Evaton in southern Johannesburg are out on bail following their arrest for allegedly contravening the Covid-19 lockdown regulations.

WATCH | Crime prevention and traffic officers caught on video pulling on KZN child

The mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality has spoken out against her crime prevention and traffic officers, who were caught on video pulling a child while seemingly enforcing an alleged lockdown-related infringement on Monday.

Mandy Wiener: It’s all about trust, baby!

The president hasn’t addressed the nation in nearly three weeks now - if we are doing this as part of a social compact, he needs to show us he’s part of it too and that the trust we’ve placed in him is still earned, writes Mandy Wiener. 

WATCH: E-commerce gearing up for business under Level 4 lockdown

South Africa's world of e-commerce is readying to go under the new comprehensive safety measures in place to ensure strict, safe and healthy trade during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Lockdown | Govt agrees to provide reasons for ban on cigarette sales

Government has agreed to provide the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association with reasons for maintaining the ban on cigarette and tobacco product sales under level 4 of the lockdown.

The association, whose members include cigarette makers Carnilinx and Gold Leaf Tobacco, had launched an urgent court bid for government to lift a ban on sales of cigarettes and tobacco products during lockdown and to have these products be deemed essential goods.

Coronavirus morning update: SA deaths pass 200, Cele says even more lawbreakers under Level 4 lockdown

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is appealing for more funding to accelerate vaccine development for about seven to eight "top" candidates, according to the UN agency's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

More than 80 000 people are now known to have died in the United States from Covid-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. Globally, nearly 285 500 have died. 

Russia is due to start easing coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday, despite reporting a record number of cases the previous day. 

France and Spain, two of the hardest pandemic-hit countries in Europe, are gradually easing the restrictions they imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Trump insists his administration has 'met the moment' on coronavirus testing

US President Donald Trump is insisting his administration has “met the moment” and “prevailed” on coronavirus testing. Speaking in the Rose Garden at the White House, Trump reiterated that everyone who wants a test can get one, although officials later clarified that to everyone who “needs” a test. 

The White House has now ordered everyone entering the West Wing to wear a mask, after two cases of Covid-19 were confirmed among staff. 

Gyms, hair salons in Brazil declared 'essential' services

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has declared gyms and hair and beauty salons "essential" services allowing them to remain open despite the coronavirus lockdown. 

Right-wing Bolsonaro has been a vocal opponent of the lockdowns imposed by state and municipal governments across Brazil despite the mounting number of cases and deaths.

"The question of life has to be taken in parallel with jobs," Bolsonaro said on Monday outside his official residence.

"Without the economy, there is no life, there are no doctors, there are no hospital supplies." 

- Al Jazeera

South Africa can't get enough Covid-19 testing supplies - here's why we should be making our own

A global shortage of the chemicals needed to test for the new coronavirus is crippling South Africa’s Covid-19 testing campaign. But what if we could produce these reagents right here at home, asks Candice Sehoma.

South Africa has seen yet another big jump in new coronavirus cases, with 637 infections, which takes the tally to 10 652.

There are 4 357 recoveries.

The death toll is at 206, with the North West recording its first death, Western Cape eight new deaths, Eastern Cape two and KwaZulu-Natal one.

The Western Cape remains the province with the highest number of positive cases, currently sitting at 52.8% of the 5 621 national cases.

The province also recorded the highest spike in new numbers, with 453 new cases.

Western and Eastern Cape concern

The infection rate of people travelling between the Eastern Cape and Western Cape was of "major concern", Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said.

He said the proximity of the two provinces was seen as a major cause behind the rapid spread of infection.

“It is an issue that we are going to resolve as national government,” Mkhize said.

"The two provinces operate like an ecosystem," he said, adding that cross-border travel for funerals was a contributor.

While President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit the Western Cape, Mkhize said 20 Cuban doctors will be deployed to two of the Eastern Cape's Covid-19 hotspots - Port Elizabeth and East London - to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.

More people break regulations under Level 4

More lockdown rules have been broken since 1 May when restrictions were eased from Level 5 to 4, Police Minister Bheki Cele said.

"Under Level 5, 10  [people] were arrested for alcohol offences. But since Level 4, there were almost 60 offences for dispensing and transporting alcohol."

While visiting the Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg on Saturday, Cele said he was told that violent cases had almost completely reduced in the area.

Over 1 800 additional social workers to be deployedMore than 1 800 social workers will be employed for a period of three months to provide timely psycho-social interventions and support for affected individuals and families.

676 additional social workers will be based in Gauteng, 266 in KwaZulu-Natal, 246 in the Western Cape, 171 in the Eastern Cape, 128 in Mpumalanga, 116 in Limpopo, 92 in the Free State, 81 in the North West and 33 additional social workers to render services in the Northern Cape.

"The provision of psycho-social support services are an integral part of disaster response as it helps individuals and communities to rebuild their lives," said Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu.

Back to school

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has promised to announce on Thursday when schools will officially reopen.

This follows consultations with various stakeholders, her department said in a statement.

Motshekga is expected to provide details of the final dates and detailed plans for the phased approach to the possible reopening of schools.

- Compiled by Maxine Becket

Western Cape has a new plan to deal with coronavirus hotspots as deaths rise to 106

The Western Cape has recorded an additional four coronavirus deaths, bringing the total number of deaths in the province to 106. 

Nationally, there have been 206 deaths.

Premier Alan Winde said the province has now approved the Whole of Government Covid-19 Hotspot Strategy for the City of Cape Town, where the numbers are increasing.

Uncertainty over 2021 local government elections

At this stage, it is still unclear whether the Covid-19 pandemic will delay next year's local government elections, but one of the steps usually taken before the elections is already behind schedule.

The CEO of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), Sy Mamabolo, told the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs on Monday that, before every local government election, the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) goes through the process of evaluating the potential demarcation and re-demarcation ward boundaries.

Pressing need for food parcels in Durban amid Covid-19 outbreak

Residents of Blackburn Village, next to the N2 freeway in Durban, say they live in fear of starvation.

They say there are not enough food parcels for the over 2 000 households in the informal settlement.Some say they applied to Sassa for food parcel relief but have yet to receive any.