"It is important to realise that these projections are not set in stone, but are a future that is projected" depending on assumptions outlined.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde is hosting a digital press conference outlining the updated Covid-19 scenarios for the province.

Sudden, unexplained spike in Covid-19 testing numbers as public labs confirm supply shortages 

A sharp decline in daily testing numbers by public laboratories was seemingly arrested this week, with a comparatively massive spike reported on Wednesday after a two-day lull. 

The resultant spike represents the highest number of daily tests reported for public labs in a day. 

While it is accepted that testing numbers will be lower over weekends, the national Department of Health reported on Monday (meaning tests done on Sunday) that 5 473 tests were done in public labs. On Tuesday, it reported 3 067 tests in the previous 24 hours, being Monday.

Coronavirus: International news

Covid-19 wrap | Virus death toll in Europe tops 175 000 while France prepares new lockdown easing 

The coronavirus death toll in Europe crossed 175 000 on Thursday, according to an AFP tally from official sources at 08:10 GMT. 

With 175 011 dead from 2 084 058 cases, Europe has suffered more than other continents from Covid-19 infections.

Britain has registered 37 460 dead, Italy 33 072, France 28 596 and Spain 27 118.

The global number of fatalities has reached at least 355 548.

Govt seeks funds for R350 billion infrastructure plan as Covid-19 job losses loom 

South Africa is seeking investments from multilateral lenders, commercial banks and pension funds in what a senior ANC official says will be a $20.5 billion (roughly R350 billion at current exchange rates) infrastructure program.

The program will focus on "network industries such as rail and ports, energy, broadband connectivity, water, sanitation and human settlements," Paul Mashatile, treasurer-general of the ANC, said in a speech to London’s Chatham House on Wednesday.

The government will pitch projects to potential funders on Thursday and Friday, and a symposium will be held on June 23 to discuss the program, the presidency said.

You can now apply for UIF coronavirus payouts for May - here's how to avoid major problems 

*Three million South African workers received special coronavirus-related payouts from the UIF for April.

*Applications for May opened on Thursday.

*The payouts are due to end in June, but government can decide to extend it – though smaller payments are expected.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga at Seshegong Secondary School in Olievenhoutbosch, Centurion, assessing readiness ahead of schools reopening.

Coronavirus sees the return of the drive-in theatre - and Cape Town will join the trend soon

With cinemas still closed until further notice movie fans will have to get their kick somewhere else.

And while streaming services offer a wide selection of films to watch in the comfort of your home nothing beats the experience of the smell of fresh buttery popcorn and the big screen.

While cinema doors remain shut, drive-in theatres are experiencing a resurgence. 

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi visits St Stithians College to assess readiness ahead of the reopening of schools.

Coronavirus: International news 

Covid-19 wrap | US deaths tops 100 000, Five killed in fire in Bangladesh hospital coronavirus unit 

The United States has now recorded more than 100 000 coronavirus-related deaths, Johns Hopkins University reported on Wednesday - a sombre milestone and by far the highest total in the world.

The country reported its first death about three months ago. Since then, nearly 1.7 million infections have been tallied nationwide, according to the Baltimore-based school.

Lockdown Level 3: Jesuit Institute suggests 'prayer, acts of kindness' 

Freedom of Religion SA (FOR SA) has welcomed the return of religious gatherings from Monday, and the description of religious leaders and congregations as "essential workers". 

It said it had sent several letters on behalf of about 18 million people who wanted the government to recognise the "unique contribution" of religious leaders and the organisations. 

"In our letters, we also pointed out that many religious organisations have an essential administrative component completely separate from any form of religious gathering. 

"These administrative offices/functions need to be able to operate, to continue providing the social relief services (in the form of food distribution and the like) that many religious organisations are actively engaged in during this time."

US coronavirus death toll tops 100 000 - Johns Hopkins

Washington – The United States has now recorded more than 100 000 coronavirus-related deaths, Johns Hopkins University reported on Wednesday – a sombre milestone and by far the highest total in the world.

The country reported its first death about three months ago. Since then, nearly 1.7 million infections have been tallied nationwide, according to the Baltimore-based school.

The actual number of deaths and infections is believed to be higher, experts say. 

ICYMI: 

Covid-19: Death toll at 552 as cases rise to 25 937

*The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa has increased by 1 673 to 25 937.

*More tests have been done after a shortage of reagents and test kits, while 29 005 have been conducted since the last report.

*The national Department of Health has recorded another 28 deaths, bringing the toll to  552.

'Don't stand in way' of those who want to return - Motshekga confident schools are ready to open 

She understands that some parents have anxieties about sending their children to school in the midst of a pandemic, but their anxiety should not prevent other parents from sending their children to school, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has said.

Since Motshekga announced last week that learners in Grades 7 and 12 will return to school on 1 June, parents have expressed their concern about the wisdom of this move, given the spread of the coronavirus in the country. This was echoed in the questions MPs directed at Motshekga during the National Assembly's first virtual sitting, with a few members present in the chamber in Cape Town.

Motshekga, however, is confident that it is the correct decision to open schools in a phased approach to deal with social distancing.

World Rugby rejects post-coronavirus international cup fundraiser plan 

World Rugby has dismissed an idea for a major international tournament to be held in England next year designed to ease the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis less than a day after it was made public. 

Francis Baron, a former chief executive of England's Rugby Football Union, put forward a scheme to stage a 16-team invitational tournament to be staged in Britain and Ireland next June and July based on the 2015 World Cup hosted by England.

Baron, in an interview with the Daily Telegraph published late on Tuesday, forecast the World Cup-type event could generate a net profit for distribution to unions of £200-250 million.

ANALYSIS: Govt has cited the science behind SA’s cigarette ban – but it doesn’t add up

Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has cited one study three different ways – plus other academic work that seems to undermine her case.

This is what Dlamini-Zuma told a court about the science behind government's cigarette ban – and what that research actually says.

Reverend Peter Storey: Allowing public worship ill-advised and dangerous

Caring clergy should refuse to co-operate. Too many congregations will serve as multipliers of this ruthless virus and people will return home - perhaps to some rural village - with death as their invisible companion, writes Peter Storey.

After lockdown: Four expert tips for a more sober South Africa

South Africa has a drinking problem, but research reveals a few things that could help curb harmful alcohol use in the country.

SA financial system under stress, headed for 'extraordinary shocks' - Reserve Bank

The South African Reserve Bank says SA's financial system is under stress and headed for "extraordinary shocks", as people are expected to struggle servicing their debt or keep their insurance policies in place, while those who still have money to save and invest are already opting for short-term deposits.

Narrative that Gauteng is not doing targeted testing is false, says Makhura

Gauteng Premier David Makhura says the health department has conducted a lot of tests in the province and the narrative the provincial government has not been conducting Covid-19 tests as targeted is false.

Coronavirus morning update: Global demand for test kits, clarity on hotspots, and soldiers cleared

Your latest coronavirus news: Concern about the global shortage of test kits; the Ministry of Health has clarified that the entire country will move to a Level 3 lockdown on 1 June; and SANDF inquiry has found soldiers, who are accused of killing Alexandra resident Collins Khosa, cannot be held liable for this death.

There is an increase of 1 673 coronavirus cases bringing the total to 25 937. The 28 more deaths brings the total fatalities to 552.

Total recoveries stand at 13 451.

Here are 7 top stories of the day:

'He was not just a number, he was a person' - Durban family's heartache after dad dies of Covid-19

Durban resident Anton Harman lived a good, normal life before he succumbed to Covid-19 after nearly a month on a ventilator in hospital.

He was a father, a husband and an active South African Revenue Service employee who travelled the country, plying his trade as an operational specialist trainer.

Mthembu says govt briefing delays are to allow for new church regulations

Minister in the Presidency and acting communications minister Jackson Mthembu has explained the reason behind the continued postponements of media briefings about regulations set to come into effect on 1 June as Level 3 kicks in, saying government had to include regulations around the opening of places of worship. 

The minister, on the sidelines of of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, explained to News24 that the decision taken by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday evening to allow churches to have services needed to be included in the new regulations.

Govt says tobacco ban a matter of public health

The government has for the first time published its comprehensive case for banning the sale of tobacco products during the lockdown, saying emerging research shows smoking leads to more severe cases of Covid-19.

The state laid out its arguments in court papers filed on Wednesday in a case brought against it by the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association, which wants the ban lifted.

Domestic workers can now get coronavirus cash from the UIF – even if they're not registered

Hundreds of thousands of domestic workers who are not registered with the Unemployment Insurance Fund can now claim special Covid-19 payouts.

As part of the Covid-19 Temporary Relief scheme, workers who are put on unpaid leave, have been laid off temporarily, or whose employers can’t afford to pay their full salaries are all entitled to the special payout from the UIF.

INFOGRAPHICS | Sharp drop in Covid-19 testing due to test kit, reagent shortage

As an expected spike in Covid-19 cases looms, South African laboratories are facing a critical shortage of test kits and reagents needed to conduct coronavirus testing.

In the past two days, National Health Laboratory Service labs around the country managed to complete only 8 540 tests – compared to 13 896 tests done by private labs.

Gauteng declares West Rand District a Covid-19 hotspot after more than 190 miners test positive

The Gauteng government has classified the West Rand District Municipality a Covid-19 hotspot, Premier David Makhura has said. 

Makhura was speaking at Sibanye Gold Mine in Carletonville on Thursday after meeting with officials and union representatives from mining houses around the West Rand.

PICS | Covid-19: 300-bed quarantine site opens in Cape Town

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says he often wakes up in the middle of the night with a knot in his stomach.

"You wonder if you are doing enough, are you well enough prepared [to deal with the coronavirus]," Winde admitted at the opening of a 300-bed quarantine site in Pinelands on Wednesday.

Mkhize: Global demand for Covid-19 test kits hampering testing in SA

South Africa is doing everything it can to keep up with the required level of testing for Covid-19, but there are "constraints beyond our control", Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said.

Mkhize was answering questions in the first hybrid, virtual sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Pick n Pay outlet, 8 other stores in GautAeng closed for contravening regulations

A Pick n Pay outlet, seven stores owned by foreign nationals and a butchery were closed by Gauteng MEC Faith Mazibuko for contravening the law.

The Pick n Pay outlet, situated at Evaton Mall, was found selling rotten meat and expired food items.

PICS | Covid-19: 300-bed quarantine site opens in Cape Town

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says he often wakes up in the middle of the night with a knot in his stomach.

"You wonder if you are doing enough, are you well enough prepared [to deal with the coronavirus]," Winde admitted at the opening of a 300-bed quarantine site in Pinelands on Wednesday.

Western Cape mourns another 30 Covid-19 deaths

The Western Cape has recorded another 30 deaths, its premier Alan Winde has said, bringing the province's death toll to 387. 

By Wednesday afternoon, the province, which is the country's epicentre and has about 60% of all cases in South Africa, had 16 551 confirmed cases.

A total of 7 660 cases were active, and there have been 8 504 recoveries.

Dis-Chem at Ballito mall shuts down after staff member tests positive

The Dis-Chem pharmacy at the Ballito Junction mall has been shut down after a member of staff at the pharmaceutical retail giant tested positive for Covid-19.

"We can confirm that one of our staff members has tested positive for Covid-19, but we have ensured that the risk of infection has limited transmission to anyone else, thanks to the rigorous preventative health and safety protocols we have implemented," the group said in a statement on Wednesday.

Domestic workers can now get coronavirus cash from the UIF – even if they're not registered

Hundreds of thousands of domestic workers who are not registered with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) can now claim special Covid-19 payouts.

As part of the Covid-19 Temporary Relief scheme (TERS), workers who are put on unpaid leave, have been laid off temporarily, or whose employers can’t afford to pay their full salaries are all entitled to the special payout from the UIF.

Ministers will brief media on Thursday on regulations under Level 3 lockdown.

Ministers Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Ebrahim Patel will brief at 14:00 and the justice, crime prevention and security cluster at 16:00.

The top unions affiliated to education in KwaZulu-Natal have called on their members, mainly teachers and support staff, to refrain from attending school on Thursday.

"We advise our members not to report to schools on [Thursday] because schools are not ready to receive them under the Covid-19 related protocols. We must be consistent - education in this province will commence when all schools are ready to receive learners and teachers safely," said five of the top unions, including the SA Democratic Teachers Union.

Western Cape records 1 010 Covid-19 cases among public health workers - department

The Western Cape health department has confirmed 1 010 doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers have been infected with the coronavirus in the public sector.

Of these, six have died and 462 have recovered, the department said on Wednesday.

Four schools in the Western Cape have recorded Covid-19 positive cases among returning teachers, Education MEC Debbie Schäfer has said.

On Tuesday, Schäfer confirmed this in an interview with eNCA.

Some hairdressers 'living hand to mouth', court hears in bid to reopen salons

Some hairdressers are living hand to mouth and are pleading for the ability to earn an income, the Western Cape High Court heard in an urgent court application.

An urgent bid to the court heard on Wednesday is seeking the go-ahead for hairdressers to trade under strict conditions during the lockdown.

Every province is increasing the number of beds, HR, healthcare workers and field hospitals.

People who are poor will not be denied any assistance, and will not be judged if people can or can't treatment.

"Everyone will receive care on the basis of need, not on the basis of means," said Mkhize.

Maimane working with Dali Mpofu on court challenge to re-opening of schools

The founder of the One South Africa movement, former Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane, has announced plans to mount a legal challenge to the re-opening of schools.

Maimane initiated a petition a week ago to pressure government to only re-open schools in approximately three months.

Mthembu says briefing delays are to allow for new church regulations

Minister in the Presidency and acting communications minister Jackson Mthembu has explained the reason behind the continued postponements of media briefings about regulations set to come into effect on 1 June as Level 3 kicks in, saying government had to include regulations around the opening of places of worship. 

The minister, on the sidelines of of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, explained to News24 that the decision taken by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday evening to allow churches to have services needed to be included in the new regulations.

Budgets had to be reprioritised says Motshekga. There was an agreement with the department of water that deliveries will be on time.

Water tankers will be delivered closer to the opening of schools to protect the assets, noting the ongoing break-ins at schools.