Residents of Khayelitsha hands get sanitised. (Nardus Engelbrecht)
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25m ago
Covid-19 wrap: UK PM urges global effort, Iran infections surge, France cancels Bastille Day parade
- UK's Johnson urges global effort at vaccine summit
- Iran reports 3 574 new virus infections, its highest yet
- France cancels 2020 Bastille Day parade over coronavirus
- US plane with 150 donated ventilators lands in Russia
- Spain to reopen borders with France, Portugal on 22 June
Covid-19 wrap
- UK's Johnson urges global effort at vaccine summit
- Iran reports 3 574 new virus infections, its highest yet
- France cancels 2020 Bastille Day parade over coronavirus
- US plane with 150 donated ventilators lands in Russia
- Spain to reopen borders with France, Portugal on 22 June
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OPINION | Court throws South Africa’s lockdown exit strategy into disarray. But it got it wrong
Justice Norman Davis found that both the level 3 and level 4 regulations are "irrational". The government has five Covid-19 alert levels, from level 5 down to level 1, when most normal activity can resume.
This week’s High Court judgment on the lockdown regulations is unconvincing in many respects and has applied the law incorrectly, writes Richard Calland.
More here
Justice Norman Davis found that both the level 3 and level 4 regulations are "irrational". The government has five Covid-19 alert levels, from level 5 down to level 1, when most normal activity can resume.
This week’s High Court judgment on the lockdown regulations is unconvincing in many respects and has applied the law incorrectly, writes Richard Calland.
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LOCKED OUT | GolfRSA to seek legal advice after High Court Ruling
GolfRSA has responded to the recent Gauteng High Court ruling which declared the country's Alert Levels 3 and 4 lockdown regulations unconstitutional and invalid.
"GolfRSA, in conjunction with all the golf bodies, is taking action and legal advice to ascertain the repercussions the ruling holds in terms of the ongoing discussions between GolfRSA and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture," the statement read.
More on Sport24
GolfRSA has responded to the recent Gauteng High Court ruling which declared the country's Alert Levels 3 and 4 lockdown regulations unconstitutional and invalid.
"GolfRSA, in conjunction with all the golf bodies, is taking action and legal advice to ascertain the repercussions the ruling holds in terms of the ongoing discussions between GolfRSA and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture," the statement read.
1h ago
Covid-19: Pandemic puts pressure on medicine supply
In a survey of healthcare facilities conducted during the lockdown, The Stop Stock-outs Project (SSP) found that stock-outs were ongoing, particularly for ARVs, TB medicines, contraceptives and childhood vaccines.
Read more
In a survey of healthcare facilities conducted during the lockdown, The Stop Stock-outs Project (SSP) found that stock-outs were ongoing, particularly for ARVs, TB medicines, contraceptives and childhood vaccines.
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The Western Cape is also using SAPS training centres to use for quarantine and isolation.
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Western Cape has found that high flow nasal oxygen instead of ventilator treatment is showing promising results for treating Covid-19.
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OPINION | Officials failed in forward planning for schools
The Department of Education should have used the lockdown period to identify schools that needed attention in order to prepare for pupils to return.
While we should be waiting with bated breath to see what will happen next week when pupils in the other eight provinces are supposed to return to school, I have no reason to believe the majority of schools in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and North West will be Covid-19 ready.
Column by Mbhazima Shilowa
The Department of Education should have used the lockdown period to identify schools that needed attention in order to prepare for pupils to return.
While we should be waiting with bated breath to see what will happen next week when pupils in the other eight provinces are supposed to return to school, I have no reason to believe the majority of schools in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and North West will be Covid-19 ready.
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Level 3 | Trauma cases rise at 2 Cape Town hospitals just days after easing of regulations
The Western Cape Department of Health confirmed to News24 that at least two hospitals already witnessed significant increases in admissions this week, and at one of them, the majority of cases was alcohol-related trauma.
Story by Murray Williams
The Western Cape Department of Health confirmed to News24 that at least two hospitals already witnessed significant increases in admissions this week, and at one of them, the majority of cases was alcohol-related trauma.
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President to visit Western Cape Covid-19 facilities
The visit follows oversight visits by the President to Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape to evaluate the fight against Covid-19.
Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Premier Alan Winde on his inspection of Covid-19 facilities.
The Western Cape province currently accounts for nearly two-thirds of infections nationally, the presidency said in a statement.
The visit follows oversight visits by the President to Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape to evaluate the fight against Covid-19.
Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Premier Alan Winde on his inspection of Covid-19 facilities.
The Western Cape province currently accounts for nearly two-thirds of infections nationally, the presidency said in a statement.
3h ago
Covid-19 wrap: US deaths increase, alcoholism surges in Germany and record tolls in Mexico, Brazil
The United States recorded 919 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 107 099, according to the latest real-time tally on Wednesday reported by Johns Hopkins University.
Covid-19 wrap
The United States recorded 919 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 107 099, according to the latest real-time tally on Wednesday reported by Johns Hopkins University.
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ANALYSIS | Lockdown judgment a reminder for govt about the fine line between lives and livelihoods
This week's high court judgment on the rationality of lockdown regulations emphasised the necessity for the government to strike a delicate balance between the rights of citizens to maintain a livelihood, as much as it is crucial to protect citizens from the effects of Covid-19, writes attorney Bulelwa Mabasa.
6h ago
OPINION | John Steenhuisen: Level 3 decision hurts SA but suits ANC
The president has to stop smashing the economy to death with the "blunt instrument" of lockdown and start putting his country ahead of his party, writes DA leader John Steenhuisen.
8h ago
ANALYSIS: National state of disaster ends before court deadline to amend lockdown regulations
While the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has ordered that the lockdown regulations, which were declared invalid and unconstitutional, be amended within 14 days, the national state of disaster is set to lapse before that deadline.
8h ago
Coronavirus morning update: Concern over Eastern Cape, and latest on court bids over cigarettes
The Eastern Cape is showing the "same pattern that drove up the outbreak" in the Western Cape; and the government asks for more time to defend the cigarette ban in court.
03 June 21:20
The Covid-19 death toll has increased by 37, taking the number to 792.
The number of cases now sits at 37 525. The Western Cape remains the epicentre with 24 657, followed by Gauteng with 4 567 and the Eastern Cape with 4 526.
There have been 19 682 recoveries.
Here are the top stories of the day
A court has ruled that patients cannot be forced into quarantine so long as they are able to self-isolate. The matter was taken to court by AfriForum. This is the second court blow to the government’s Covid-19 regulations in two days.
The body of a fifth-year medical student who died in Cuba on 29 April is stuck in Havana because of the Covid-19 lockdown. Sibusiso Qongqo died after a short illness. His family has tried, so far in vain, to get the government to repatriate his body.
Minister of Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has denied that there is a report with findings into the death of Collins Khoza at the hands of defence force members. She insists the inquiry into Khosa's death is still ongoing, despite it appearing as an attachment to papers filed at a court.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Buti Manamela says tertiary institutions will be required to have quarantine facilities set up before students return, and all students would need to be screened. Residences, lecture halls and dining areas will need to undergo deep cleans.
The SA Human Rights Commission says it is satisfied with the Department of Basic Education’s undertaking to amend its back to school plans, and will therefore be holding off turning to the courts. The SAHRC had on Tuesday threatened the department with court action over the way reopening of schools has been handled.
The tobacco war rages on, and this time the government has asked for a postponement in one of the court cases it is facing to challenge the tobacco ban. The hearing was set to take place this week. The Fair Trade Tobacco Association has taken the government to court to allow for the sale of tobacco.
Stay informed with News24
The epicentre | Here’s why those aged below 55 won’t be tested in Cape Town
Talking point | Can I be with my child in a Covid-19 quarantine facility?
Domestic workers can return to work | But they will have to abide by conditions
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms
Rolling coverage | All the latest Covid-19 news in one place
- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay
The number of cases now sits at 37 525. The Western Cape remains the epicentre with 24 657, followed by Gauteng with 4 567 and the Eastern Cape with 4 526.
There have been 19 682 recoveries.
Here are the top stories of the day
A court has ruled that patients cannot be forced into quarantine so long as they are able to self-isolate. The matter was taken to court by AfriForum. This is the second court blow to the government’s Covid-19 regulations in two days.
The body of a fifth-year medical student who died in Cuba on 29 April is stuck in Havana because of the Covid-19 lockdown. Sibusiso Qongqo died after a short illness. His family has tried, so far in vain, to get the government to repatriate his body.
Minister of Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has denied that there is a report with findings into the death of Collins Khoza at the hands of defence force members. She insists the inquiry into Khosa's death is still ongoing, despite it appearing as an attachment to papers filed at a court.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Buti Manamela says tertiary institutions will be required to have quarantine facilities set up before students return, and all students would need to be screened. Residences, lecture halls and dining areas will need to undergo deep cleans.
The SA Human Rights Commission says it is satisfied with the Department of Basic Education’s undertaking to amend its back to school plans, and will therefore be holding off turning to the courts. The SAHRC had on Tuesday threatened the department with court action over the way reopening of schools has been handled.
The tobacco war rages on, and this time the government has asked for a postponement in one of the court cases it is facing to challenge the tobacco ban. The hearing was set to take place this week. The Fair Trade Tobacco Association has taken the government to court to allow for the sale of tobacco.
Stay informed with News24
The epicentre | Here’s why those aged below 55 won’t be tested in Cape Town
Talking point | Can I be with my child in a Covid-19 quarantine facility?
Domestic workers can return to work | But they will have to abide by conditions
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms
Rolling coverage | All the latest Covid-19 news in one place
- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay
03 June 20:58
WHO to resume treatment trials, Italy opens for Europeans - International Covid-19 news
The World Health Organisation announced on Wednesday that clinical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine will resume as it searches for potential coronavirus treatments.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum was forced to launch an appeal for funding on Wednesday after two months under a coronavirus lockdown that saw revenue from visitors dry up.
Italy reopened to travellers from Europe on Wednesday, three months after going into coronavirus lockdown, but sparse arrivals dimmed hopes of reviving the key tourism industry as the summer season begins.
protests tinged by violence broke out late Tuesday in four Senegalese towns over a night-time anti-coronavirus curfew, prompting an appeal for calm by a major Muslim leader, AFP has learnt.
Read the wrap here
The World Health Organisation announced on Wednesday that clinical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine will resume as it searches for potential coronavirus treatments.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum was forced to launch an appeal for funding on Wednesday after two months under a coronavirus lockdown that saw revenue from visitors dry up.
Italy reopened to travellers from Europe on Wednesday, three months after going into coronavirus lockdown, but sparse arrivals dimmed hopes of reviving the key tourism industry as the summer season begins.
protests tinged by violence broke out late Tuesday in four Senegalese towns over a night-time anti-coronavirus curfew, prompting an appeal for calm by a major Muslim leader, AFP has learnt.
03 June 20:41
Armed gang pretending to be healthcare workers hit pension pay point
Pensioners, who were ready to receive their grant money, had to be sent back home after an armed gang pretending to be Covid-19 healthcare workers allegedly robbed a pay point in a suburb in Pietermartizburg.
According to the police, the four men were dressed in white overcoats and entered the business premises in Scottsville through the main entrance at 08:15.
At gunpoint, the gang then forced both the employee and the manager to lie on the floor, while they removed all the cash from the safe.
Read the story here
Pensioners, who were ready to receive their grant money, had to be sent back home after an armed gang pretending to be Covid-19 healthcare workers allegedly robbed a pay point in a suburb in Pietermartizburg.
According to the police, the four men were dressed in white overcoats and entered the business premises in Scottsville through the main entrance at 08:15.
At gunpoint, the gang then forced both the employee and the manager to lie on the floor, while they removed all the cash from the safe.
03 June 19:43
US suspends flights by Chinese airlines, Sweden admits virus response was poor - International Covid-19 news
The US on Tuesday ordered the suspension of all flights by Chinese airlines into and out of the country after Beijing failed to allow American carriers to resume service to China.
And Sweden's top epidemiologist says there was room for improvement in the country's controversial softer approach to curbing the spread of Covid-19, but maintained he still had faith in the strategy.
Germany will lift its blanket travel warning for European nations from 15 June, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Wednesday, as the continent looks to further ease restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus.
France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands have forged an alliance to speed up the production of a vaccine "on European soil" against the new coronavirus, Dutch officials say.
Pictured: A metabolic therapy session at the Oktyabrsky health resort in Russia. Health resorts holding medical licences have resumed operation with coronavirus lockdown restrictions eased. (Getty Images)
Read the wrap here
The US on Tuesday ordered the suspension of all flights by Chinese airlines into and out of the country after Beijing failed to allow American carriers to resume service to China.
And Sweden's top epidemiologist says there was room for improvement in the country's controversial softer approach to curbing the spread of Covid-19, but maintained he still had faith in the strategy.
Germany will lift its blanket travel warning for European nations from 15 June, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Wednesday, as the continent looks to further ease restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus.
France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands have forged an alliance to speed up the production of a vaccine "on European soil" against the new coronavirus, Dutch officials say.
Pictured: A metabolic therapy session at the Oktyabrsky health resort in Russia. Health resorts holding medical licences have resumed operation with coronavirus lockdown restrictions eased. (Getty Images)
03 June 19:14
PODCAST | Covid-19 Chronicles: Urgent measures needed to address testing backlog crisis
The government urgently needs to address the deepening crisis of the Covid-19 testing backlog. South Africa is just one country in the queue as countries around the world need testing kits and demand outstrips supply.
Listen to the latest episode here:
Read more on the latest episode here
The government urgently needs to address the deepening crisis of the Covid-19 testing backlog. South Africa is just one country in the queue as countries around the world need testing kits and demand outstrips supply.
Listen to the latest episode here:
Catch up with previous episodes:
There has been widespread criticism of the lockdown, with many now calling for an ease to the regulations - especially on the business front. Some critics have mirrored the current set up to a police state.
The restaurant industry continues to suffer under the prolonged lockdown. In another episode, we look at some restaurants which are facing liquidation, and employees who have been left high and dry.
The pandemic has left the country’s poor facing starvation - but is the government able to meet the giant task of providing food for those in need? Community activists warned that there could be chaos if food isn’t regularly and easily available.
03 June 18:47
Body of SA medical student trapped in Cuba for over a month due to lockdown
Sibusiso Qongqo was due to return home for good in July to undergo in-service training at a local hospital after completing his medical studies in Cuba.
His distraught family has been lobbying the South African government to help repatriate his body.
By Malibongwe Dayimani
Sibusiso Qongqo was due to return home for good in July to undergo in-service training at a local hospital after completing his medical studies in Cuba.
His distraught family has been lobbying the South African government to help repatriate his body.
03 June 17:29
Covid-19 tests: This is why those under 55 without comorbidities will not be tested in Cape Town
A nationwide backlog in tests and delays of up to seven to 12 days has made testing for high-risk individuals even more difficult. This has contributed to a decision by the Western Cape government to prioritise testing only for those at-risk groups.
Read more by Murray Williams
A nationwide backlog in tests and delays of up to seven to 12 days has made testing for high-risk individuals even more difficult. This has contributed to a decision by the Western Cape government to prioritise testing only for those at-risk groups.
03 June 17:17
Level 3 lockdown: Airports and airlines gear up for opening, but not many travellers expected
Airlines and airports are readying for the lifting of some travel restrictions under Level 3 of the lockdown - but, according to FlySafair, not many travellers are expected at airports.
Executive manager and chief marketing officer at FlySafair, Kirby Gordon, told News24 the airline was excited to get its aircraft off the ground again, but was not expecting planes to be full.
By Azarrah Karrim
Airlines and airports are readying for the lifting of some travel restrictions under Level 3 of the lockdown - but, according to FlySafair, not many travellers are expected at airports.
Executive manager and chief marketing officer at FlySafair, Kirby Gordon, told News24 the airline was excited to get its aircraft off the ground again, but was not expecting planes to be full.
03 June 16:30
7 children in Covid-19 ward at Cape Town's Red Cross hospital
Seven children are in a dedicated Covid-19 ward at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in Cape Town.
This was reported to News24 on Wednesday by the hospital's head of paediatric emergency care, Dr Heloise Buys.
By Murray Williams
Seven children are in a dedicated Covid-19 ward at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in Cape Town.
This was reported to News24 on Wednesday by the hospital's head of paediatric emergency care, Dr Heloise Buys.
03 June 16:10
03 June 16:10
Covid-19 wrap: Over 380 000 global deaths, Asian nations accused of censorship and more US job losses
The novel coronavirus has killed at least 380 428 people since the outbreak first emerged in China last December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 11:00 (GMT) on Wednesday.
Covid-19 wrap
The novel coronavirus has killed at least 380 428 people since the outbreak first emerged in China last December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 11:00 (GMT) on Wednesday.
03 June 15:52
OPINION | As ICUs fill up in the Western Cape, some lockdown measures may have to be reconsidered
The substantial relaxation of South Africa’s Covid-19 lockdown measures from this week was probably both inevitable and the right decision. But with ICU capacity in the Western Cape already stretched, and infections in the province rising rapidly, one or two measures may need to be reconsidered, argues Spotlight’s Marcus Low.
Full column
The substantial relaxation of South Africa’s Covid-19 lockdown measures from this week was probably both inevitable and the right decision. But with ICU capacity in the Western Cape already stretched, and infections in the province rising rapidly, one or two measures may need to be reconsidered, argues Spotlight’s Marcus Low.
03 June 15:46
No student will enter campus without being screened, says higher education deputy minister
From 15 June, under Level 3, a maximum of 33% of students will be allowed to return to campuses and residences as long as they can been accommodated in line with health and safety protocols.
Read more
From 15 June, under Level 3, a maximum of 33% of students will be allowed to return to campuses and residences as long as they can been accommodated in line with health and safety protocols.
03 June 15:45
OPINION | After Collins Khosa and George Floyd – learning how to breathe again
Collins Khosa’s death may not be the moment that creates the energy that we see sweeping across America, but it should be, writes Rekgotsofetse Chikane.
Both men, for differing reasons, died in a world that failed to protect them.
Full column here
Collins Khosa’s death may not be the moment that creates the energy that we see sweeping across America, but it should be, writes Rekgotsofetse Chikane.
Both men, for differing reasons, died in a world that failed to protect them.
03 June 15:35
OPINION | This is what I learnt in lockdown
Lockdown has been a time of learning and self-discovery for many South Africans. Howard Feldman explores what he and those around him have learnt over the past sixty days.
Covid-19 has taught me that numbers can be manipulated, that graphs and statistics are fun and are often fictitious.
Full column here
Lockdown has been a time of learning and self-discovery for many South Africans. Howard Feldman explores what he and those around him have learnt over the past sixty days.
Covid-19 has taught me that numbers can be manipulated, that graphs and statistics are fun and are often fictitious.
03 June 15:33
SA Reserve Bank rules out financing government budget deficit
South Africa’s central bank ruled out helping the government fund its runaway budget deficit by paying for its spending through loans, as the ruling party debates using the institution to fund infrastructure and development.
More here
South Africa’s central bank ruled out helping the government fund its runaway budget deficit by paying for its spending through loans, as the ruling party debates using the institution to fund infrastructure and development.
03 June 15:32
03 June 15:24
SAHRC satisfied for now as education dept complies with Covid-19 deadline on regulations
The amended regulations condone the Western Cape's decision to open schools on 1 June, according to the SAHRC.
The Chapter 9 institution gave the basic education minister until 14:00 on Wednesday to indicate if Covid-19 back-to-school regulations would be amended again.
Read more
The amended regulations condone the Western Cape's decision to open schools on 1 June, according to the SAHRC.
The Chapter 9 institution gave the basic education minister until 14:00 on Wednesday to indicate if Covid-19 back-to-school regulations would be amended again.