Has the ban on cigarette sales deterred smokers? This is what the studies show

Despite the ban on the sale of tobacco products in South Africa, a new study by the University of Cape Town has revealed that around 90% of smokers have continued buying tobacco products - albeit through a different purchasing environment.

Cyril Ramaphosa | South Africans 'have a right to approach our courts' to challenge lockdown regulations

The exercise of the fundamental freedoms of expression, association and speech is a barometer of the good health of our democracy. But much more than that, these rights are essential to the success of our national and collective struggle to overcome the coronavirus, writes President Cyril Ramaphosa in his weekly newsletter.

The United States on Sunday recorded 820 new coronavirus fatalities in the previous 24 hours, but the country's total death count neared 90 000, a Johns Hopkins University tracker reported.

The latest toll, marked at 00:30 GMT on Monday, was the lowest since 776 daily deaths were recorded on May 10, but the count ranged as high as 1 894 in subsequent days.

According to the real-time tracker by Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins, the United States has 1 486 376 cases of novel coronavirus.

That figure and the death toll are by far the world's highest.

'I did not visit Blade because he was in Pretoria' - Bheki Cele

Police Minister Bheki Cele has repeatedly denied paying a personal visit last Monday to the KwaZulu-Natal home of his Cabinet colleague, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, in contravention of the regulations.

Adriaan Basson: Gray's anatomy may be exactly what South Africa needed

The price we pay for a lockdown - increased malnourishment of children and the poor, disruption of routine vaccination and suspended elective surgery - has become too high, writes Adriaan Basson.

Data lockdown: Tension simmers as questions are raised about access to Covid-19 information

Frustration is building among scientists over the government's apparent lack of willingness to make key, detailed Covid-19 data accessible ahead of a meeting of the Covid-19 ministerial advisory committee.

News24 understands that questions have arisen over the apparent stranglehold by the Department of Health on access to spatial data (geo-located confirmed coronavirus cases), data around testing, screening, contact tracing and hospitalisation data – which includes availability levels of medical supplies and high care beds. 

According to a member of the MAC – who spoke on condition of anonymity – several members of the advisory body have spoken out during past meetings against the apparent lockdown on data. 

Coronavirus morning update: Big spike in new cases in SA, as Western Cape again highlighted as a worry

Your latest coronavirus news: South Africa recorded the highest spike in cases the country has seen in a single day, with 1 160 new cases, as the health minister again pointed to the Western Cape as an area of concern.

South Africa on Sunday recorded an astonishing 1160 new positive coronavirus cases, the highest spike the country has seen in a single day.

Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize said the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases now stands at 15 515, with the 1 160 new cases identified in the last 24-hour cycle of testing.

READ HERE:

The Western Cape has contributed, in the past 24 hours, to 76% of the new cases with 890 cases, followed by the Eastern Cape with 124 cases.

There are now 15 515 coronavirus cases after an increase of 1160. Three new deaths bring the tally to 264.

There are 7006 recoveries.

KwaZulu-Natal is preparing to migrate to Level 3 of the national lockdown, despite having recorded at least 45 deaths.

The province was the first to report a Covid-19 case after patient zero was identified on 5 March.

By Saturday, the province had 1 498 confirmed cases, 806 recoveries, with more than 2.4 million people screened and more than 59 000 tests conducted.

MORE HERE:

Western Cape death tally rises to 156 - total cases now 9 246 with 3 521 recoveries

The Western Cape has recorded an additional nine coronavirus deaths, bringing the total in the province to 156. 

Premier Alan Winde said, as of 13:00 on Sunday, the Western Cape had 9 246 confirmed cases, with 5 569 active cases, and 3 521 recoveries.

Out of pocket and desperate, self-employed feel hit of extended lockdown

While the South African economy staggers under the weight of the country's prolonged Covid-19 lockdown, said to be one of the strictest in the world, ordinary people are feeling the pinch of income loss, with no prospect of a return to "normality" on the horizon for the foreseeable future.

For the self-employed - who in many instances fall between the cracks, not qualifying for UIF or other financial relief schemes offered to small businesses - the financial blow can be particularly hard.

Newzroom Afrika Cape Town staff test positive for Covid-19

Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405) staff in Cape Town have been diagnosed with Covid-19 and quarantined at home.

The latest development comes days after the death of eNCA cameraperson Lungile Tom (45) on Wednesday.

The King William's Town police station was closed after officers tested positive for Covid-19. A community hall will now be temporarily used to continue operations.

In a statement on Sunday, the King William's Town police station said the Client Service Centre will be operating from the hall.

READ HERE:

South Africans cry with joy after landing back home

"It's good … good to be home," a South African said joyously on Sunday.

And then the tears fell, like rain.

James de Wet was one of several dozen South Africans, who arrived back home in an emotional touchdown at OR Tambo airport after a "rescue mission" flight down the length of Africa.

'We must unite and work together' - Mkhize speaking at funeral of Dr Clarence Mini

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has lauded President Cyril Ramaphosa as a consultative leader in the country's ongoing battle against the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Speaking at the funeral of Dr Clarence Mini in Fourways on Sunday, Mkhize told mourners that Ramaphosa had been leading from the front during the crisis and was always ready to listen.

Liquor producers puzzle on how to ease alcohol ban

Converting bars into beer-collection points and staggering liquor-store opening hours: Just two of the proposals put to South Africa’s government by drinks makers desperate to lift a 50-day ban on alcohol sales.

Schools in Covid-19 hotspot areas could remain closed - report

More than 5 000 schools in areas regarded as Covid-19 hotspots in parts of the country could remain closed if Cabinet approves a new proposal by the Department of Basic Education, according to the Sunday Times.

The publication said the proposal, which was discussed on Wednesday with the National Alliance of Independent Schools Associations (Naisa), will see schools in Buffalo City, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Mangaung and Nelson Mandela Bay being treated as if they are on Level 5.

Covid-19 wrap | Madagascar reports first death, China warns of second wave, and Obama lets loose

The coronavirus has killed 311 959 people worldwide since it surfaced in China late last year, according to an AFP tally at 11:00 GMT on Sunday based on official sources.

There have been at least 4 647 986 officially recorded cases in 196 countries and territories.

Ramaphosa takes Level 4 lockdown in his stride

The president of South Africa is loving every moment of Level 4 liberation, it seems.

In Rosebank in Johannesburg on Sunday morning, Cyril Ramaphosa was spotted by several early morning walkers - in a potluck encounter captured by Sowetan editor Nwabisa Makunga.

Over 15k farmers to receive financial help from government

The department of agriculture and land reform says over 15 000 farmers have been approved to receive over R500 million from the Agricultural Disaster Fund.

This financial is aimed at ensuring that South Africa does not add food insecurity to its woes as the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has put more than half of the economy at a standstill.

DeafSA threatens legal action after comedian 'mocks' sign language interpreters

A Cape Town comedian has begged public forgiveness for spoofing a sign language interpreter during President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent address to the nation.

This came after DeafSA threatened legal action.

From the various agriculture sectors, the following number of allocations were made:

For vegetables: 2942

For fruit: 65

Livestock: 7696

Winter crops: 610

The Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic has hit artists so hard that some of them have nothing to eat or feed their families.

The pandemic has led to the cancellation of gigs and brought the sale of CDs to a halt.

Although government has made available relief grants for artists, many are running on empty.

'That's when I realised I was going to get a hiding' - journalist on alleged ordeal with FS police

One moment Free State journalist Paul Nthoba was snapping a picture of police officers on patrol near the Caledon River, separating South Africa and Lesotho, and the next he was allegedly being beaten for taking the picture.

10 more coronavirus deaths recorded in Western Cape, bringing total to 147

Another 10 people have died of Covid-19 in the Western Cape, as the province revealed that as of 13:00 on Saturday, 147 people, who had contracted the virus, had succumbed. 

WHO urges medical workers to report cases of the inflammation disease affecting children

The World Health Organisation is calling on medical workers to report cases of a newly-identified inflammation condition affecting children and adolescents that appears to be linked to the coronavirus.

For thousands of South Africans, who did not make it through the boarding gates before the dreaded travel bans kicked in, the quick interventions that have been made to keep everybody in one place to "flatten the curve" has led to dreadful isolation, and in many cases, financial devastation. 

But flying over the continent on Saturday night and showing up among the few cargo and other flights, is a repatriation flight, this time a plane carrying 74 South Africans desperate for home soil. They are being repatriated by the volunteer project, Home Away From Home (HAFH).

SA Covid-19 Wrap

831 new Covid-19 cases confirmed in SA as infections rise to 14 355, while 14 more deaths sees the national death toll rise to 261.

Here are the big stories today:

- The government's phased exit from the lockdown is nonsensical and unscientific, says one of the top scientists advising it. Dr Glenda Gray, a member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee and chairperson of the South African Medical Research Council, said the lockdown should be eradicated completely, and that non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as handwashing, wearing masks, social distancing and prohibitions on gatherings, should be put in place. 

- The national coronavirus lockdown and its effects have led to an increase in depression, anxiety and suicide thoughts among South Africans.

- As South Africa's coronavirus outbreak picks up pace some health experts are beginning to see the limits of the country's lauded community screening strategy.

- Netcare Sunninghill Hospital's main theatre complex has been temporarily shut for a week after several staff members tested positive for Covid-19.

- Four Eastern Cape Department of Health employees assigned Covid-19 duties have tested positive for the virus, the department has announced.

- The ban on cigarette sales is failing in what it set out to do – and rather than stopping smokers from smoking, it could be setting up an illicit market for survival well beyond the coronavirus outbreak, a new study has found.

- The City of Cape Town says it can no longer force homeless people to live in shelters now that the lockdown has eased from Level 5 to 4, denying it is "dumping" people. So what happens to Cape Town's homeless as lockdown is eased?    

Covid-19 world wrap | Zimbabwe maintains lockdown, Kenya closes borders as Bundesliga returns

The coronavirus has killed at least 307,321 people worldwide since it surfaced in China late last year. The United States has recorded the most deaths at 87,568. It is followed by Britain with 33,998, Italy with 31,610, Spain with 27,563, and France with 27,529.

Some of the biggest stories so far:

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Saturday the lockdown imposed to control the spread of coronavirus would stay in place for the moment, but would be reviewed every two weeks.

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta announced Saturday that the country's coronavirus measures would be extended and its borders with Tanzania and Somalia closed.

An Angolan soldier shot and killed a teenager during an operation to enforce face-mask wearing to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the government has said.

Germany's Bundesliga returns to action with the resumption of the first top European league since the lockdown watched closely to see if it provides a blueprint for other competitions.