Lockdown muted Reserve Bank policy impact, Kganyago says 

The lockdown of the South African economy means that policy measures announced by the central bank have not filtered through yet, Governor Lesetja Kganyago said.

The Reserve Bank has cut its repurchase rate by 275 basis points this year, the fifth-biggest downward move by global central banks, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The benchmark is now at 3.75%, the lowest level since it was introduced in 1998.

Kganyago’s comments came just before President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the government will further relax lockdown rules from June 1. South Africa imposed one of the strictest shutdowns in the world on March 27. That shuttered all economic activity except essential services for five weeks, and was only partly eased from May 1.

BREAKING | SAMRC board apologises for Glenda Gray's comments, bars staff from speaking to media 

The SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC) board has apologised to the Ministry of Health and the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) for recent comments made by its president, Dr Glenda Gray, and says it will institute a fact-finding investigation into the "damage" the comments have caused.

UK sport a step closer as contact training gets government go-ahead 

Professional sport in Britain moved closer to a resumption when the government published 'stage two' of its guidance allowing for close-contact and competitive training. 

The advice is the next step in a process set to culminate with 'stage three' that should see the likes of English football's Premier League returning, albeit behind closed doors, next month after the coronavirus saw the season suspended.

US coronavirus death toll rises by 638 - Johns Hopkins 

Washington - The US coronavirus death toll has risen by 638 over the past 24 hours, the Johns Hopkins University tracker reported on Sunday night.

After that relatively small increase, the US toll now stands at 97 686 lives as of 20:30 (00:30 GMT Monday), according to the Baltimore-based university, and US cases of infection now number 1 641 585.

Both are the highest anywhere in the world.

 - AFP

Covid-19: 'It's in your hands' - Ramaphosa calls on citizens to play their part

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is now at risk of even more coronavirus infections as it prepares to gear down to alert Level 3 of the lockdown.

The president, in a prompt address at 19:00 on Sunday, warned that the only way to reduce the number of infections and deaths would be resorting to diligently and consistently observing hygienic practices.

"Now, we look once again to you, to your actions and to your sense of responsibility. We look to you to uphold the sanctity of life and the dignity of all people. We look to you to protect the weakest and most vulnerable among us," said Ramaphosa.

EXPLAINER | Lockdown Level 3: What you will be allowed to do and what you won't

You may soon exercise outside whenever you want, buy liquor and fly domestically for business reasons.

Adriaan Basson: Ramaphosa wins the day but it's up to us to keep the economy open

Ramaphosa took charge of the crisis and showed the authoritarians in Cabinet that he is still the boss and further put to bed the vindictive actions of the health department, writes Adriaan Basson.

Between two devils: Why hospitals must act fast to prevent health worker deaths from Covid-19

South Africa could see a spike in health worker deaths if hospitals fail to enforce strict infection control to stop the cause of Covid-19, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, from spreading in facilities, warn the investigators of a coronavirus disease outbreak at Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital in Durban.

Coronavirus morning update: Lockdown Level 3 from 1 June - but still no cigarette sales

The president has announced that the country will move to Level 3 of the lockdown from 1 June; but, the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products will remain banned - you will be able to buy alcohol, for home consumption only.

As South Africa moves to Level 3 from 1 June, many restrictions will stay in place. 

One of it is the sale of tobacco products, "due to the health risks associated with smoking", according to Ramaphosa. 

Alcohol is allowed to be sold under Level 3, but will only be sold on certain days and at certain times, and should be consumed at home. 

Exercise is allowed at any time and is no longer restricted between 06:00 and 09:00. 

Gatherings, such as sporting events, concerts or domestic air travel, are not allowed under Level 3. 

Hair care and beauty services remain closed. 

Wholesale and retail will be fully opened from 1 June. 

Hotspots 

Certain areas, that are hotspots, will get extra attention from epidemiologists and healthcare workers, Ramaphosa announced.

These areas include Tshwane, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Ethekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City and Cape Town; the West Coast, Overberg and Cape Winelands district municipalities in the Western Cape, Chris Hani district in the Eastern Cape, and iLembe district in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Enhanced measures of surveillance, infection control and management will be put in place at these places. 

"We will assign a full-time team of experienced personnel to each hotspot. This team will include epidemiologists, family practitioners, nurses, community health workers, public health experts and emergency medical services, to be supported by Cuban experts," Ramaphosa said. 

Each hotspot will be linked to testing services, isolation facilities, quarantine facilities, treatment, hospital beds and contact tracing. 

Should it be necessary, any part of the country could be returned to alert Levels 4 or 5 if the spread of infection is not contained, despite interventions, and if there is a risk of our health facilities being overwhelmed.

Cases

Ramaphosa also announced that there are 22 583 cases of coronavirus, but there are just over 11 000 active cases.

Of the active cases, there are 842 patients in hospital, 128 of them in ICU.

He also said there are 429 deaths.

-Compiled by Maxine Becket

FULL TEXT | Ramaphosa unveils hotspots, dos and dont's under level 3 lockdown

South Africa will be moving to Alert Level 3 of the lockdown, but the coronavirus will get much worse, before it gets better, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in an address to the nation on Sunday evening.

He concluded his speech by using the words of Nelson Mandela when he said “it is now in your hands”, to urge the country to help curb the deadly disease.

Cigarette ban to remain under level 3, but you can buy booze

The sale of cigarettes and tobacco products will remain banned as the entire country transitions to level 3 of the national lockdown from June.

But consumers will be able to buy alcohol for home consumption only "specified days and for limited hours".

During an address on Sunday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that following consultation with various bodies, Cabinet decided that the whole of South Africa would move to level 3 next week.

These businesses must remain shut during Level 3

On Sunday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the whole country will be moved to Alert Level 3 of the national lockdown on June 1st.This will bring much more freedom to citizens: curfews will be dropped, exercise will be allowed at any time, and alcohol sales by liquor stores (though not bars) will be permitted.

Domestic air travel for business reasons will be allowed too, and more air travel will be phased in on dates to be announced.

The return of staff to schools in KwaZulu-Natal has been delayed until later in the week as the education department works to distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) to all schools.

The announcement was made by Premier Sihle Zikalala, who, together with MEC for Education Kwazi Mshengu, briefed the media on the reopening of schools in KZN as well as the latest Covid-19 numbers.

Labour dept to have another look at Frere Hospital after forced closure

The Department of Employment and Labour is expected to visit Frere Hospital in East London to do a follow-up inspection after the hospital was shut down amid concerns that its measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 were inadequate.

DispatchLive reported on Saturday that the hospital was closed by health and safety inspectors from the labour department.

Masondo | Should SA have trade protection to help coronavirus recovery?

The developmental state is not merely about intervention by the state - all states intervene - but about the scope and quality of any particular intervention in the economy, Deputy Minister of Finance Dr David Masondo said on Sunday.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu on Sunday confirmed nine positive cases at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Phoenix, north of Durban, where six healthcare workers and three patients contracted Covid-19.

After days of speculation and claims from unions and sources from the hospital, Simelane-Zulu finally confirmed it.

Help all SA airlines or put economic recovery at risk, industry body warns

African governments could be shooting themselves in the foot in terms of economic recovery if airlines are not given adequate financial support, the International Air Transport Association has warned.

IATA – the trade association for the world's airlines – is urging the SA government, as well as other African countries, to urgently consider ways in which they can help the continent's airline industries to survive coronavirus lockdowns and flight bans.

SA churches put faith in President Cyril Ramaphosa for financial relief

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has asked for financial relief from government for member churches that have felt the pinch of the national Covid-19 lockdown, as well as UIF for those in their employ.

The SACC made this plea to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday during a meeting also attended by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

Keeping you up to date on the latest novel coronavirus (Covid-19) news from around the world - US records 1 127 deaths, Wuhan lab had '3 live bat coronaviruses' and DRC denies figures manipulated.

AngloGold confirms 53 coronavirus cases at Mponeng mine 

The Gauteng Department of Health on Sunday confirmed that 53 employees at AngloGold Ashanti's Mponeng mine in the Merafong district have tested positive for Covid-19. 

All employees have been admitted at the Fountain Isolation Facility. According to the department, an outbreak team was dispatched to trace all known contacts and the process is ongoing.

The mine management indicated that all underground miners (378) were tested. Of those, the test results for 274 employees are out with 104 still being processed. 

VISUAL FEATURE: 

WATCH | Life in a Cape Town Covid-19 hotspot - food, fear and work in Tygerberg district

The Tygerberg district is one of Cape Town's five most virulent Covid-19 hotspots, according to the province. Here, the pandemic is spreading quicker. This week, News24 explored the suburb of Bellville which falls in this Cape Town sub-district first-hand, to see how people were navigating life in this usually bustling area.

Lockdown: Draft regulations propose tobacco ban extension, but lifting ban on liquor - report 

A leaked draft of the proposed regulations for Level 3 of the Covid-19 lockdown has revealed that the ban on liquor sales will be lifted under strict conditions, while the prohibition on the sale of tobacco products will be extended.

News24 has seen a copy of the draft regulations, by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, which may have changed or could still change before President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation on Sunday.

The provisional regulations reveal that the sale, dispensing or transportation of liquor will be allowed under Level 3 of the lockdown.

Could a social impact bond work to fund SA's Covid-19 interventions? 

National Treasury has not ruled out a proposal of a social impact bond to help finance Covid-19 interventions, Director-General Dondo Mogajane.

During a virtual discussion event hosted by 100% black-owned event and media company Empowaworx on Friday, Mogajane weighed in on the impact of Covid-19 on the economy and potential sources of funding for interventions, which could include social impact bonds.

Government has launched a set of interventions to manage the crisis, such as procuring personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and instituting a national lockdown to slow the spread of the virus, which has also brought most economic activity to a halt, and all this has come at a cost.

'My fellow South Africans' - SA holds its breath ahead of Ramaphosa's next Covid-19 address 

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation on Sunday evening on developments in South Africa's risk-adjusted Covid-19 strategy, including easing down to a Level 3 lockdown, expected at the end of May.

In a statement on Saturday, the Presidency said the address follows meetings with Cabinet, the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the President's Coordinating Council.

These meetings considered the prospects of a progression from alert Level 4 to alert Level 3 of the national Covid-19 lockdown.

Coronavirus: 'I am deeply worried' about impact of Covid-19 on SA - Chief Justice Mogoeng

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng says the lockdown and state of national disaster implemented to curb the spread of the coronavirus cannot function above the Constitution. The head of the judiciary spoke to News24 this week from under a tree on his farm, where he encouraged citizens to challenge government decisions they deem to be infringing their rights.

US adds 1 127 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours - Johns Hopkins

Washington – The United States recorded a further 1 127 deaths from Covid-19 on Saturday, bringing its total to 97 048 since the global pandemic began, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The country has also officially logged 1 621 658 cases of the virus, far more than any other nation, the tracker kept by the Baltimore-based university showed at 20:30 (00:30 GMT Sunday).

 - AFP

Premier League says 2 more people test positive for coronavirus 

England's Premier League on Saturday said that two more individuals from two different clubs have tested positive for coronavirus, just three weeks from a proposed restart of the season.

In all, 996 players and club staff were tested over three days last week for COVID-19.

"Of these, two have tested positive from two clubs," said an EPL statement.

OPINION: 

Adriaan Basson: The truth behind THAT interview with Prof Glenda Gray 

For the past two weeks, the US has been going gaga over a viral video titled Plandemic by discredited virologist Dr Judy Mikovits.

The 26-minute video essentially claims the coronavirus was invented by a "circular cabal" to boost the profits of big business and pharmaceutical companies. The video was shared more than 2.5 million times before it was deleted by social platforms.

False news and disinformation have become as potent as the coronavirus itself over the past few months since the global crisis started.

It is a normal instinct of humans to want to know who to blame when our lives are affected negatively. Quacks like Mikovits exploit this human urge with their false conspiracies to rake in clicks and dollars.

Covid-19: Another top scientist says experts are being sidelined

Another top scientist and member of Health Minister Zweli Mkhize's Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Covid-19 has come out in support of Professor Glenda Gray, accusing the government of not consulting the country's top scientists on lockdown regulations. Professor François Venter told News24 it was unclear who was advising the government on the regulations.

3 more dead in EC after drinking home-brewed beer mixed with methylated spirits

Eastern Cape health authorities and the police have called on members of the public to refrain from consuming home-brewed beer mixed with methylated spirits after three more people died. 

According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Sibongile Soci, the latest incident took place in KwaNonibe village, King William's Town, this week. 

Soci said two people died on Thursday, while a third died in hospital on Friday. 

Coronavirus morning update: Reopening of schools 'irrational', top scientist backed, and rules for SANDF

Your latest coronavirus news: The approach taken by the government in planning the reopening of schools is "irrational and arbitrary", according to the National Association of Parents in School Governance; about 50 members of the scientific community have come out in support of Professor Glenda Gray; and a new code of conduct issued by the South African National Defence Force, for soldiers.

SATURDAY WRAP

- The number of positive Covid-19 cases rose to 21 343 on Saturday evening, with 10 more deaths being reported, according to Health Minister Zweli Mkhize. This brings the number of deaths to 407, with 10 104 recoveries.The number of tests conducted has risen to 564 370, with 21 338 being done in the last 24 hours.

- ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte has told the tobacco industry to "back off" after a petition started circulating online this week, calling for the "removal" of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Read more here.

- About 50 members of the scientific community have come out in support of Professor Glenda Gray following a request by the health department to launch an investigation into her. 

As of today, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa is 21 343. This is an increase of 1 218 cases.

There have been 10 new Covid-19 related deaths, bringing the total national deaths to 407.

A total of 564 370 tests have been conducted with 21 338 done in the last 24 hour cycle.

The total number of recoveries to date is 10 104.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation at 19h00 tomorrow, Sunday 24 May 2020, on developments in South Africa’s risk-adjusted strategy  to manage the spread of COVID-19.

The President’s address follows recent meetings of Cabinet, the National Coronavirus Command Council and the President’s Coordinating Council, which considered the prospects for the country’s progression from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 of the national lockdown.

Europe's coronavirus cases top two million

ore than two million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared in Europe, nearly two-thirds of which were reported in Russia, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and France, according to an AFP tally at 1600 GMT Saturday.

With at least 173,133 deaths out of 2,001,995 cases, Europe is the continent most affected by the pandemic.

Worldwide, a total of 5,244,616 cases, including 339,011 deaths, have been recorded.

Russia is the European country with the highest number of cases (335,882 with 3,388 deaths) and a daily increase of about 10,000 new cases reported since the beginning of May.

The United Kingdom (257,154 cases with 36,675 deaths), Spain (234,824 cases with 28,628 deaths), Italy (229,327 cases with 32,735 deaths) and France (182,219 cases with 28,289 deaths) are the other four worst-hit European countries.

The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections.

Many countries are testing only symptomatic or the most serious cases.