News24.com | LIVE | Covid-19 deaths breach 1 000\, infections hit 50 879

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LIVE | Covid-19 deaths breach 1 000, infections hit 50 879

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82 new coronavirus deaths brings the tally to 1080, with 26 deaths from the Eastern Cape, 55 from the Western Cape and one from KwaZulu-Natal.

The number of coronavirus cases now stands at 50 879 with 2 594 new infections.

The are 26 099 recoveries.

2h ago

On Monday schools across the country opened for teaching, starting with grades 7 and 12. This despite mixed reactions about returning to school amidst the country's rising number of Covid-19 cases.

A team of News24 reporters was on the ground and found that personnel screened pupils as they entered schools and were given masks and gloves. However, some schools in far-flung areas were still experiencing water shortage problems and lack of proper sanitation which forced some to close its gates.

Here is a wrap of our stories:

38 Gauteng schools have reported Covid-19 cases, says Lesufi

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi announced that 38 schools in the province have reported Covid-19 cases.

Lesufi was updating the media in Midrand on the first day of the reopening of schools on Monday afternoon.

He also said 39 pupils and teachers have tested positive.

"Today only, we received 38 new cases that demand investigations. The 38 new cases that demand investigation is in the process of tracing those that were in contact with those that have tested positive," he said.

Lesufi also told reporters the province recorded an 85% attendance of pupils and educators on the first day of the reopening of schools. 

He added that nine schools did not open, due to infrastructural issues, which the department is currently addressing.

Teaching starts at one Gauteng school while another raises alarm bells

Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko raised concerns regarding the level of cleaning at Sehopotso Secondary School in Sebokeng.

Mazibuko visited the school to inspect the state of readiness as Grade 7 and 12 pupils returned to classrooms on Monday.

The MEC said the school wasn't thoroughly cleaned, including several classrooms. However, she said the school was ready to resume teaching and learning.

Gauteng farm school closed after mayor discovers there is no water for pupils

School opened for pupils attending Ramusukula Secondary School on Monday, despite there being no water on the school's property.

Pupils spent more than four hours at the school, which is situated in the Barrage farming area in the Vaal, before Emfuleni Mayor Gift Moerane raised alarm bells.

Moerane made the discovery after he had went to the bathroom and noticed there was no water. The mayor was then informed by officials at the school that boreholes supplying water to the school had run dry.

More than 100 KZN schools still closed due to water shortages

More than 100 schools in KwaZulu-Natal did not open with the rest of the schools around the country on Monday due to water challenges, the province's Education MEC Kwazi Mshengu has confirmed.

During his visit to schools, Mshengu said it was expected that over 6 000 schools in the KZN province would open. However, 104 schools would not be opening due to water shortages.

Back to school in Limpopo, but one private school closed after pupil tests positive

While schooling in Limpopo resumed in the majority of areas on Monday amid joy and trepidation from Grade 7s and 12s, classes were suspended at a private institution in Polokwane after a pupil tested positive for Covid-19.

The principal at Mitchell House School, Andrew Cook, said in a letter to parents that the Grade 12 pupil had returned to school last week.

The pupil had been in contact with others between Monday and Wednesday, before developing flu-like symptoms.

Most Eastern Cape schools reopen, but mobile toilets, water tanks, PPE still needed at 490

While 95% of schools in the Eastern Cape reopened on Monday, 490 schools have been delayed as the education department delivered mobile toilets, water tanks and personal protective equipment on the first day of school amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Themba Kojana, superintendent general of the provincial education department, told News24 the process of delivering equipment to schools was still under way.

"By 15:00, I will be able to tell you how many schools we have managed to cover. Our workers are on the ground. But we have made sure that the pupils are not suffering. For instance, neighbouring schools are housing learners whose schools are not ready because remember this is only two grades that are returning to school. We are still disinfecting some schools while others are getting mobile toilets."

Return of Mpumalanga pupils goes smoothly, despite some setbacks - dept

Grade 7s and 12s in Mpumalanga were welcomed back to school on Monday and, despite a few setbacks, the reopening went smoothly, according to Jasper Zwane, spokesperson for the province’s education department.

Zwane said most districts across the province had experienced a "relatively stable" reopening, with many pupils able to return.

Zwane said the local business forum had held a protest over tenders in Lekazi near Mbombela.

"We want to condemn this… it is really uncalled for and we think it compromises the future of our children. If people want tenders they should wait for the tender bulletin and apply accordingly," Zwane said.

Pupils relocated after viral video shows crumbling school infrastructure in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane has relocated pupils and teachers from Makibe Primary School to Mogalitwa Primary School as part of a temporary measure after she expressed her dissatisfaction with the dilapidated state of the farm school.

Makibe Primary School has been shut down and 36 Grade 7 pupils relocated, Mtshweni-Tsipane said on Monday.

"As we speak, that school has been closed with immediate effect - there will be no teaching and learning at the school.

3h ago

No formal word about government ministers' deployment to Western Cape, says Winde

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says he is still in the dark about the details surrounding the deployment of top ANC ministers to the province amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Winde says before any such decision will be taken, there would need to be consultation between national and the province's leadership.

Plans to deploy national ministers to the Western Cape to assist in the fight against Covid-19 are under way, according to a report in the Sunday Times.

The publication reported that the likes of Police Minister Bheki Cele, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, and Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs Minister Barbara Creecy would be among those deployed to the province.

Read more

4h ago

Booze ban: Mabuyane to push for alcohol ban in the Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane will lobby national government to reinstate a liquor ban under Level 3 lockdown for his province, due to fears that alcohol will harm the battle against Covid-19 infections.

Mabuyane will petition the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, to have the ban on alcohol reintroduced in his province.

MORE HERE

5h ago

Maimane's school challenge: There is nothing to hide, Lesufi says

Gauteng's Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says he is willing to conduct a walkabout with the leader of the One SA Movement, Mmusi Maimane at a school of his choice.

"I told him, I still invite him to choose that school. We will go there as there is nothing to hide. If there are problems we will fix it," Lesufi told media at the Pohopedi Primary School in Poortjie on Monday. 

This comes after Maimane challenged Lesufi to a walkabout, days after the One SA Movement leader lost his Constitutional Court challenge on Friday to stop the reopening of schools on Friday. 

Lesufi further indicated he would clear his diary for Thursday at 16:00 to complete the task.

Canny Maphanga filed this report

6h ago

New Bulls guru hopes SA appreciates club rugby more after Covid-19

Russell Winter hopes the broader South African rugby community will have an increased sense of appreciation for club rugby in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

READ THE FULL STORY

6h ago

WATCH | SA doctors record inspiring lockdown song using their phones

Doctors are feeling the pinch during the Covid-19 pandemic and, at the same time, are dealing with the paradox of sick patients who are reluctant to visit their consultation rooms, resulting in them having to treat people remotely.

(Screen shot image)

WATCH THE VIDEO

6h ago

Malema accuses Ramaphosa of neutralising political parties to legitimise lockdown regulations

EFF leader Julius Malema will no longer participate in President Cyril Ramaphosa's consultative meetings with political parties on government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

GET THE FULL STORY

6h ago

Lockdown: Taxi fares to more than double across country in June - Santaco

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has announced a price fare increase which will impact every association across the country.

GET THE DETAILS HERE

6h ago

INFOGRAPHICS | Covid-19: Inside the Eastern Cape outbreak that has claimed 101 lives so far

It has been 55 days since the first Covid-19 death in the Eastern Cape was recorded on 14 April, which became only the second province in the country to reach a death toll of more than 100 people over the weekend. 

SEE THE DETAILS

7h ago

Recreational fishing is now allowed under Level 3 lockdown - here are SA's best locations

Under South Africa’s Level 3 lockdown conditions, permit-holding recreational fishers are once again free to wake up at dawn and wade tentatively into gurgling waters.

Fishing at the Maswiri Dam. (Tim Hulme)

CHECK THE BUSINESS INSIDER STORY

7h ago

EFF to challenge SANDF report that clears members of wrongdoing in Collins Khosa death

The EFF will challenge the outcomes of an investigation by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) which cleared its members of wrongdoing in the death of Collins Khosa, Julius Malema said on Monday.

READ MORE

7h ago

'More screening machines needed' - Olievenhoutbosch pupils express concern on first day back

Excitement, anxiety and fear were evident on the faces of Olievenhoutbosch Secondary School Grade 12 pupils on Monday as they returned to class after being away for just over two months when schools were closed due to the Covid-19 national lockdown.

Olievenhoutbosch Secondary School Grade 12 pupils' first day back. (Sesona Ngqakamba, News24)

READ MORE

8h ago

Tobacco group to argue Dlamini-Zuma overstepped powers in banning sales of cigarettes

The Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association is set to argue that Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has overstepped her powers in banning the sale of cigarettes under the nationwide lockdown, saying she does not have the authority to pick and choose what items be banned as a precautionary measure.

TAP HERE TO READ THE FIN24 STORY

8h ago

Coronavirus: 55 schools in Western Cape report cases, 30 schools in Gauteng

The Western Cape says 55 schools have been affected by cases of Covid-19 in the province, while 30 schools in Gauteng have reported cases.

TAP HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

9h ago

HIV testing system created by porn industry could help Hollywood resume production

California is set reopen on June 12, which means that the studios of Hollywood can call "action" on film and TV production once again.

SEE THE BUSINESS INSIDER STORY

9h ago

Recovered: Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari given the Covid-19 all clear

Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari has fully recovered from the Covid-19 virus, the Soweto giants confirmed on Monday.

(Ben Motshwari pic from Gallo Images)

GET THE STORY ON SPORT24

9h ago

Western Cape will need help from other provinces to fight Covid-19, says Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was impressed with preparations in the Western Cape to contain the coronavirus, but it was clear assistance beyond the Western Cape was necessary.

READ THE FULL STORY ON NEWS24

11h ago

Declared coronavirus cases top seven million globally: AFP

Declared coronavirus infections topped seven million globally, some two thirds in Europe and the United States, according to an AFP tally of official figures at 07:00 GMT on Monday.

At least 7 003 851 cases have been officially recorded around the world, including 402 867 deaths, and Europe is the hardest-hit continent with 2 275 305 cases and 183 542 deaths.

The United States has recorded 1 942 363 cases and 110 514 deaths since the outbreak first emerged in China late last year.

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

Many countries are testing only symptomatic or serious cases.

- AFP

11h ago

'I did a little dance' - PM Jacinda Ardern declares victory as New Zealand clears last Covid-19 case

New Zealand lifted all domestic coronavirus restrictions on Monday after its final Covid-19 patient was given the all-clear, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern revealing she danced around her living room when told about the milestone.

READ MORE

11h ago

Cyril Ramaphosa | 'Don't be alarmed, be prepared' as coronavirus cases and deaths will rise faster

During the course of this coming week, we can expect that the total number of cases will pass the 50 000 mark. Sadly, we are also likely to record the 1 000th death from this devastating disease, writes President Cyril Ramaphosa in his weekly newsletter.

TAP TO READ THE PRESIDENT'S COLUMN

12h ago

From President Cyril Ramaphosa:

The lockdown was not only necessary but it has also given us all time to adjust to living with the virus. Various surveys show that South Africans have come to know a lot about the virus and are taking the necessary precautions to prevent its spread.

I have been pleased to realise that a high percentage of South Africans wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with other people and wear face masks whenever they go out in public. I should however say that social distancing in public places is still a major challenge for us.

We need to focus our attention on ensuring that we adhere to social distancing practices because it is through close contact between people that the virus will be spread.

12h ago

From President Cyril Ramaphosa

Most people will have noticed that the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in South Africa has been rising fast.

More than a half of all cases since the start of the outbreak were recorded in the last two weeks. During the course of this coming week, we can expect that the total number of cases will pass the 50 000 mark.

Sadly, we are also likely to record the 1,000th death from this devastating disease.

12h ago

Don't worry if you live next to a quarantine site - Gauteng health dept

The Gauteng Department of Health says it would like to assure residents living next to a coronavirus quarantine site does not place the community at risk of being infected.

FOLLOW THE STORY ON NEWS24

13h ago

'It's not a one-size-fits-all recovery': Surviving the coronavirus

As the number of people in the country infected with - and dying of - the coronavirus continues to soar, many South Africans live with the daily fear of the disease entering their households.

TAP HERE FOR MORE

13h ago

I spent 2 weeks wearing a face shield instead of a mask, and I'm never going back

Homemade face masks are uncomfortable, sweaty, difficult to breathe in, difficult to talk in, fog up glasses, and require regular washing.

READ THE STORY ON BUSINESS INSIDER

13h ago

Cape Town Covid-19 vaccine trial comes under fire from activists

The small study looking to repurpose an old TB vaccine could help add to a growing field of science that asks, can you really reprogramme your immune system?

GET THE FULL STORY ON HEALTH24

14h ago

OPINION

Adriaan Basson: If all black lives matter to the ANC, what about Collins Khosa's death?

On the same day that the ANC, South Africa's governing party, launched its Black Friday campaign against racism and state brutality, the defence minister added insult to the injury of the family of 40-year-old Collins Khosa.

Being one of eleven people who have allegedly died at the hands of police officers or soldiers during South Africa's lockdown, Khosa has become the local equivalent of George Floyd to rally the cry that black lives matter (BLM). 

Predictably, the ANC's Black Friday campaign was met with anger and disbelief from South Africans who correctly asked the governing party whether it shouldn't clean its own house first. 

READ FULL COLUMN

14h ago

ALSO READ | The mining industry is becoming SA's new Covid-19 hotspot

14h ago

SA gears up to reopen schools as Motshekga pleads for no unnecessary visits 

Schools around the country are gearing up to welcome back Grade 7 and 12 pupils under new health protocols, and with the increased foot flow, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has requested unnecessary visits be kept to a minimum.

Motshekga briefed the nation on Sunday afternoon about the plan for schools to finally reopen on Monday after a stop-start process to get them prepared to fight Covid-19.

She announced on Sunday 95% of schools were now equipped with the necessary equipment, while plans were afoot for pupils at the remaining 5%.

READ MORE

14h ago

Coronavirus morning update: 'Sleepless nights' over schools - but 95% now ready to reopen

Your latest coronavirus news: The green light has been given for grades 7 and 12 to return to school on 8 June, with 95% of schools ready to reopen after a "momentous effort".

READ MORE ON HEALTH24

07 June 22:32

Mpumalanga records first Covid-19 death as toll rises to 998

Mpumalanga has recorded its first Covid-19 death as current cases neared 50 000 and deaths creep closer to the 1 000 mark.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize released the daily statistics on Sunday evening, which saw an increase of 2 312 infections, taking the number of cases to 48 285.

READ HERE
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