Police patrol Muizenberg in Cape Town after lockdown restrictions ease. (Brenton Geach/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
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0m ago
France to turn surplus wine into hand sanitiser
French winemakers will transform wine that went unsold during the country's two-month coronavirus lockdown into hand sanitiser and ethanol to make room for the next harvest, a farming agency said on Thursday.
Wine sales and exports, particularly to the US, plunged at the height of the coronavirus crisis, leaving winemakers with millions of litres of unsold wine.
"From tomorrow, 33 licensed distillers will be able to collect the wine and distil it," said Didier Josso, head of the wine branch in the farming agency FranceAgriMer, at a video press conference.
Read the story here
French winemakers will transform wine that went unsold during the country's two-month coronavirus lockdown into hand sanitiser and ethanol to make room for the next harvest, a farming agency said on Thursday.
Wine sales and exports, particularly to the US, plunged at the height of the coronavirus crisis, leaving winemakers with millions of litres of unsold wine.
"From tomorrow, 33 licensed distillers will be able to collect the wine and distil it," said Didier Josso, head of the wine branch in the farming agency FranceAgriMer, at a video press conference.
17m ago
It's more important to save lives - even, if need be, at the expense of the academic year - Maimane
"Rome is burning and the state parties ought not to be allowed to fiddle unsupervised [and] while only accounting to themselves."
This is what former DA leader and founder of the One South Africa (OSA) movement Mmusi Maimane told the Constitutional Court this week in court papers, arguing against the reopening of schools.
In an urgent application to the apex court, Maimane's OSA is challenging the government's decision to reopen schools. He highlighted poor infrastructure, school overcrowding, staff shortages, sanitation and public transport as the motivation behind his application.
Maimane told the court that Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga did not give a plan as to how these schools would be capacitated to open.
He also argued that the minister did not inform the country how other learners, who are schooling under trees, tents and dilapidated buildings, will be catered for.
1h ago
Africa needs to 'triple its testing', 'US picks companies to develop vaccine' - International Covid-19 news
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday warned that the coronavirus could further weaken sub-Saharan Africa's ability to adapt to climate change, as measures to contain the pandemic stretch limited resources.
Africa needs to triple its coronavirus testing in the coming months "to move ahead of the curve" as more countries ease lockdown measures, the director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
Meanwhile, The Trump administration in the US has reportedly selected five companies, including Moderna Inc, AstraZeneca Plc and Pfizer Inc, as the most likely candidates to produce a vaccine for the novel coronavirus, according to the New York Times.
Brazil is easing restrictions despite logging record numbers of daily coronavirus fatalities, with President Jair Bolsonaro saying death is "everyone's destiny."
Malaysia confirmed 277 coronavirus cases on Thursday, its biggest daily increase, due to a growing outbreak at a migrant detention centre, sparking accusations the government is failing to protect foreign workers.
Pictured: A keeper prepares to take care of the penguins at the Genoa Aquarium in Genoa, Italy, after reopening during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Getty Images)
Read our wrap here
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday warned that the coronavirus could further weaken sub-Saharan Africa's ability to adapt to climate change, as measures to contain the pandemic stretch limited resources.
Africa needs to triple its coronavirus testing in the coming months "to move ahead of the curve" as more countries ease lockdown measures, the director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
Meanwhile, The Trump administration in the US has reportedly selected five companies, including Moderna Inc, AstraZeneca Plc and Pfizer Inc, as the most likely candidates to produce a vaccine for the novel coronavirus, according to the New York Times.
Brazil is easing restrictions despite logging record numbers of daily coronavirus fatalities, with President Jair Bolsonaro saying death is "everyone's destiny."
Malaysia confirmed 277 coronavirus cases on Thursday, its biggest daily increase, due to a growing outbreak at a migrant detention centre, sparking accusations the government is failing to protect foreign workers.
Pictured: A keeper prepares to take care of the penguins at the Genoa Aquarium in Genoa, Italy, after reopening during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Getty Images)
2h ago
Lockdown regulations ruling: 'Flawed' judgment creates more confusion than clarity, say experts
The levels 3 and 4 judgment is flawed and if it goes on appeal it will most likely be overturned, says an expert.
"The main problem with the judgment is that while there was an attack on the regulations as a whole, the judge only looked at specific regulations, the regulations dealing with curfews on exercise, and the regulations dealing with visitations of families and regulations dealing with funerals."
Story by Jeanette Chabalala
The levels 3 and 4 judgment is flawed and if it goes on appeal it will most likely be overturned, says an expert.
"The main problem with the judgment is that while there was an attack on the regulations as a whole, the judge only looked at specific regulations, the regulations dealing with curfews on exercise, and the regulations dealing with visitations of families and regulations dealing with funerals."
2h ago
Cabinet to appeal judgment declaring lockdown regulations for levels 3 and 4 invalid, confident of another outcome
Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu said the decision was taken after advice from legal experts.
"We don't believe that any other court will come to the same conclusion as the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. That is why we will be starting with the same court," said Mthembu.
By Lizeka Tandwa
Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu said the decision was taken after advice from legal experts.
"We don't believe that any other court will come to the same conclusion as the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. That is why we will be starting with the same court," said Mthembu.
2h ago
Lockdown | Lower-income households have difficulties paying for expenses, suffer from hunger - survey
The UJ and HSRC survey has found there are differing views on how the Covid-19 pandemic is being handled between people in lower-middle and higher-income groups.
A total of 12 312 questionnaires were completed, and the findings weighted to match the country's statistics on race, age, and education.
By Sesona Ngqakamba
The UJ and HSRC survey has found there are differing views on how the Covid-19 pandemic is being handled between people in lower-middle and higher-income groups.
A total of 12 312 questionnaires were completed, and the findings weighted to match the country's statistics on race, age, and education.
2h ago
3h ago
RECAP | State of Disaster extended, Cabinet to appeal High Court's lockdown regulations judgment
The ruling by Judge Norman Davis that regulations for Level 3 and 4 of the lockdown were unconstitutional and invalid will be taken on appeal, government has decided.
Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu made the announcement during a media briefing on Thursday afternoon.
Mthembu also said that the special virtual cabinet meeting discussed the judgement and nothing else.
Davis, in his judgement, slammed a number of the regulations, saying besides the specific ones cited, "there are many more instances of sheer irrationality included therein".
"After obtaining legal advice and listening to numerous comments made by members of the legal fraternity in reaction to the judgement, we are of the view that another court might come to a different conclusion on the matter," Mthembu began, before announcing, "Cabinet has therefore decided to appeal the North Gauteng High court decision".
He also announced that Cabinet approved the extension of the National State of Disaster by another month from 15 June to 15 July 2020.
The law allows for the National State of disaster to last for 90 days which necessitates the extension.
Joining the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister in the appeal challenge will be President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize.
Government will ask that its appeal be heard on an urgent basis, Mthembu said.
The ruling by Judge Norman Davis that regulations for Level 3 and 4 of the lockdown were unconstitutional and invalid will be taken on appeal, government has decided.
Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu made the announcement during a media briefing on Thursday afternoon.
Mthembu also said that the special virtual cabinet meeting discussed the judgement and nothing else.
Davis, in his judgement, slammed a number of the regulations, saying besides the specific ones cited, "there are many more instances of sheer irrationality included therein".
"After obtaining legal advice and listening to numerous comments made by members of the legal fraternity in reaction to the judgement, we are of the view that another court might come to a different conclusion on the matter," Mthembu began, before announcing, "Cabinet has therefore decided to appeal the North Gauteng High court decision".
He also announced that Cabinet approved the extension of the National State of Disaster by another month from 15 June to 15 July 2020.
The law allows for the National State of disaster to last for 90 days which necessitates the extension.
Joining the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister in the appeal challenge will be President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize.
Government will ask that its appeal be heard on an urgent basis, Mthembu said.
5h ago
Today the Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu, on behalf of government, received a cheque of R500 000 from the Assemblies of God Back To God Ministries towards the Solidarity Fund.
"What makes this donation even more significant is that it comes from ordinary South Africans who have partnered with Government in curbing the spread of the Coronavirus," said Mthembu.
"As Government, we thank the Assemblies of God Back to God Ministries for taking initiative and playing their part in this fight. Today's contribution further strengthens our partnership with the religious sector," Mthembu added.
"What makes this donation even more significant is that it comes from ordinary South Africans who have partnered with Government in curbing the spread of the Coronavirus," said Mthembu.
"As Government, we thank the Assemblies of God Back to God Ministries for taking initiative and playing their part in this fight. Today's contribution further strengthens our partnership with the religious sector," Mthembu added.
5h ago
Why lockdown judgment opens up the possibility for more lawsuits against government
In his judgment, handed down on Tuesday, Judge Norman Davis found that many of the promulgated regulations for Level 3 and 4 of the lockdown were not rationally connected to the objectives of slowing the rate of infection or limiting the spread of the virus.
Law expert James Grant told News24 the judgment did not order that it be enforced with prospective effect only, and is therefore also retrospective in effect.
By Alex Mitchley
In his judgment, handed down on Tuesday, Judge Norman Davis found that many of the promulgated regulations for Level 3 and 4 of the lockdown were not rationally connected to the objectives of slowing the rate of infection or limiting the spread of the virus.
Law expert James Grant told News24 the judgment did not order that it be enforced with prospective effect only, and is therefore also retrospective in effect.
5h ago
5h ago
Lockdown: City of Joburg under-collected about R1.3 billion in revenue for April and May
About 97 000 accounts have not been paid between April and May. The City plans to deal with those who steal electricity and other services.
By Ntwaagae Seleka
About 97 000 accounts have not been paid between April and May. The City plans to deal with those who steal electricity and other services.
6h ago
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OPINION | What's it going to take to get workers back to the office?
The ordinary stuff in our jobs is easy enough to do sitting alone at our dining tables but research has shown over and over again that face-to-face engagement is essential to foster relationships, confidence and understanding that’s absent in Zoom, Slack or Teams.
Read more
The ordinary stuff in our jobs is easy enough to do sitting alone at our dining tables but research has shown over and over again that face-to-face engagement is essential to foster relationships, confidence and understanding that’s absent in Zoom, Slack or Teams.
6h 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
7h ago
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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.
7h ago
7h ago
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.
7h 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.
7h ago
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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.
8h ago
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.
9h ago
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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.
9h 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.
10h ago
11h ago
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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.
13h 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.
15h 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.
15h 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)