WRAP | Ramaphosa announces more sectors to reopen, talks tough on gender-based violence

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that sit-in restaurants and the grooming and personal care sector will resume for business soon, as the country moves to reopen more economic sectors.

Ramaphosa said cabinet has decided to ease restrictions on restaurants for sit-down meals, accommodation facilities, conference facilities, cinemas and theatres, casinos, personal care services (including hairdressers and beauty services), non-contact sports, contact sports (but only for training).

Ramaphosa said these activities will be permitted but with stringent rules, which will be announced in due course. The dates for reopening will be communicated soon.

He said, as the country gradually opens up, the risk of infection "inevitably increases". He added, however, the risk of infection is not inevitable, saying that one's behaviour can determine whether they contract the virus. He reminded the public to wear a mask.

South Africa remains at lockdown #level 3, however, additional sectors of our economy will now be allowed to reopen provided that strict measures are in place to ensure physical distancing and personal hygiene. #COVID19SA #CoronavirusUpdate pic.twitter.com/chfhaqalZD

— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) June 17, 2020

Ramaphosa's address followed a number of meetings of the Cabinet, the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the Presidential Coordinating Council.

Speaking about the spread of Covid-19 in the country, Ramaphosa says the number of infections was doubling every two days before the lockdown. Once Level 5 began, the number of cases doubled every 15 days. Now, it doubles about every 12 days.

The President said nearly a third of all confirmed cases have been recorded in the past week alone, owing to more activity because of Level 3 lockdown.

The President, meanwhile, announced that there have been 1 674 Covid-19 deaths and 80 412 confirmed cases.

'War waged against women'

Ramaphosa also took the opportunity to talk tough on gender-based violence, which has hit headlines in the past week after the gruesome deaths of several women.

He said "with the heaviest heart" that women in the country are facing violence from men. He said he is "appalled" at a "war" being waged against women and children in the country, and that violence is being "unleashed on the women and children... with a brutality that defies any form of comprehension."

He said 21 women and children have been killed in the past few weeks. He recites the names of women, whose deaths have hit headlines over the past week, who were killed by men.

“These women are just not statistics", he said, adding that our “hearts, thoughts and prayers are with them”. He commended the police for arresting almost all of the alleged perpetrators.

He said the country now has a national plan to combat gender-based violence. He reminded the country of the GBV hotline available during the lockdown.

He assured the women and children of SA that the justice system will focus on issues of GBV, and ensured more arrests in these incidents to follow. He says the court sentences must reflect the seriousness of GBV.

He said the country is facing a coronavirus epidemic and a gender-based violence epidemic. He called on the public to act responsibly and take care of one another.

"The road ahead will be long and difficult, but the task of recovery will also be long and considerable,” he said.

'More people will be able to work'

Business for South Africa, meanwhile, welcomed the reopening of more of the economy.

The organisation’s Martin Kingston said: "The move to these enhanced level 3 regulations will allow more businesses to open, more people to work, and more services to be delivered to the public.

"Increased economic activity will heighten the risk of transmission and we repeat our call for each person in every workplace or social gathering to adhere to the health and hygiene protocols. We must all change our behaviour to protect not only ourselves, but our families, colleagues, friends, and communities. We are responsible for protecting them."

- Kerushun Pillay

While we wait for the President’s address…

Here are some stories from today that you may have missed:

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has labelled a new Covid-19 treatment trial a “breakthrough”. Results of a trial of low-dose dexamethasone were said to be “extremely promising and easily implementable” in the country. On Tuesday, a similar trial in the UK was said to have shown positive signs.

Four nuns have died and another 17 have contracted Covid-19 at a convent in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, which doubles as an old age home. All the deceased nuns aged over 60.

The famous sardine run in KwaZulu-Natal is once again in full swing - but this time at “closed” beaches. Those who attended the mad fishing rush had to wear protective masks. The beaches are closed to the general public. Sardines have been spotted on the south coast of the province.

Labour offices temporarily closed in the Western Cape due to Covid-19

Two labour centres and a satellite office in the Western Cape have been temporarily closed due to Covid-19.

The Mitchells Plain Labour Centre and its satellite office in Nyanga will remain closed for an additional week after an employee tested positive for Covid-19.

The Paarl Labour Centre will also be closed from Wednesday following a confirmed case of the virus.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation at 20:00 this evening on developments in South Africa’s risk-adjusted strategy to manage the spread of Covid-19, the Presidency said in a statement.

Ramaphosa's address follows a number of meetings of the Cabinet, the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the Presidential Coordinating Council.

New Zealand military to oversee new arrivals after two travellers tested positive for Covid-19

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called the decision to allow two arrivals from the UK travel the country without being tested for Covid-19 "an unacceptable failure of the system," and put the military in charge of quarantining people at the border from now on.

Covid-19: Handwashing steps for young children and teens

It's been about three months since the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in South Africa, and we've since all become accustomed to keeping our hands as clean as possible. 

With schools reopening, it's become more important to reinforce safety measures.

Here's a look at a few resources teachers can use as visual reminders for young children and teens. 

Nelson Mandela Bay acting mayor Thsonono Buyeye in quarantine after bodyguard dies of Covid-19

Acting mayor Thsonono Buyeye has sent his deepest condolences to the family of his bodyguard who died of Covid-19.

The mayor and his staff have gone into a 14-day quarantine period following the news.

All about dexamethasone, which researchers say is a 'breakthrough' Covid-19 treatment

Researchers led by a team from the University of Oxford administered the widely available drug to more than 2 000 severely ill Covid-19 patients, mostly on ventilators. Deaths of those patients were reduced by 35%.

Headache, dizziness before fever may signal Covid-19 and affect entire nervous system

It appears that Covid-19 may affect a patient’s entire nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, a new study revealed.

This is how ad agencies in SA continued to make TV ads while under Covid-19 lockdown

Almost as soon as South Africa’s national lockdown shuttered all but essential business, airwaves filled with ominous tones, eerily upbeat jingles, and stern presidential speech voice overs of lockdown-themed commercials. 

To make allowances for the new restrictions, agencies reduced crews and used a series of tricks and techniques to hide any gaps the Covid-19 limitations might have presented. 

'Breakthrough' in Covid-19 treatment is extremely promising, says Zweli Mkhize

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said he was "extremely excited" that there has been an important breakthrough in one of the therapeutic trials for Covid-19 management.

Mkhize said dexamethasone is a well-known and widely used steroid which has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Covid-19: Four nuns die, 17 more test positive as coronavirus hits Mthatha convent

• A convent in Mthatha, which doubles up as an old age home, has been devastated by the spread of Covid-19.

• Four nuns who died there are all over the age of 60.

• A nun who works as a nurse at Life St Mary's Hospital in Mthatha has been identified as the source of the virus.

Covid-19: Free State clinic shut down after staff member tests positive

• Another Free State health facility has closed its doors temporarily after one of its staff members tested positive for Covid-19.

• The Dr Che Guevara Community Health Centre in Sasolburg has been temporarily closed for decontamination.

• The province had by Tuesday recorded 578 Covid-19 cases and nine deaths.

Covid-19 wrap: Brazil reports highest daily cases, Putin has 'disinfection tunnel' for protection

• Brazil on Tuesday recorded its highest daily jump in new coronavirus cases, with nearly 35 000 registered in 24 hours.

• Visitors meeting President Vladimir Putin at his residence must first pass through a walk-through device that sprays them with disinfectant.

• Peru's health ministry said on Tuesday that the hard-hit nation's coronavirus death toll had reached 7 056.

PRESS RELEASE

June 17, 2020

NMBM EXECUTIVE MAYOR ON A 14 DAY QUARINTINE AS A PRECAUTION AGAINST COVID-19

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality would like to inform residents and stakeholders that the Executive Mayor, Councillor Thsonono Buyeye and his staff, have gone into a 14-day quarantine period. 

This follows the sad news of the Covid-19 related death of one of the mayor's close protectors. The Executive Mayor would like to send his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased official. 

"This was devastating news for the mayoral office and myself personally. We wish his family strength and forbearance in this difficult time of loss and mourning. In his name and those of many others in Nelson Mandela Bay who have lost their lives to this disease, we will intensify our efforts to fight against this pandemic.

"I have decided to submit myself for a 14-day quarantine period. This is not just a  protocol issue: it is done to protect everyone who works for and interact with the mayoral office," said executive mayor Buyeye.

The executive mayor will continue to perform his duties from home, using a variety of communication platforms and interaction strategies. 

The municipality is working around the clock to make sure that the workplace is safe for its employees, councillors, ratepayers, residents and any other stakeholders who may be coming to our offices for service. Municipal employees have been provided with relevant personal protective clothing and municipal workplaces are consistently sanitised. 

In municipal workplaces where a positive Covid-19 case or cases have been identified, strict guidelines from the Municipal Public Health Department and the Provincial Department of Health are followed without fail.  

These include the decontamination of offices/workplaces and tools; the screening of colleagues who are contacts; a 14 day quarantine period; and the testing of those who are showing Covid-19 symptoms.  

Our ratepayers, stakeholders and residents at large are encouraged to use electronic and digital means of communication during this time to avoid unnecessary contact and overcrowding.       

Different communication methods and platforms are consistently advertised on the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Facebook and Twitter pages for your convenience.   

The Municipality calls on all residents and visitors within Nelson Mandela Bay to, wash their hands, wear a face mask, keep a social distance, don't attend gatherings and respect lockdown Level 3 regulations.  

The above measures are the only practical and simple defence we have against the invisible Covid-19 pandemic.   

Issued by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Communications Office. 

'We're not designed for Covid-19': Staff at EC psychiatric hospital living in fear

Staff members at a psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape have spoken of their fear amid Covid-19 cases at the institution as well as a rise in cases in the province.

Provincial health department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo admitted this week cases were going to rise at hospitals, saying fear and anxiety were causing panic among staff.

Covid-19 wrap: Beijing cancels flights, WHO hails steroid as 'lifesaving scientific breakthrough'

India's official coronavirus death toll leapt by more than 2 000 to reach 11 903 and has now recorded 354 065 cases.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern appointed the military to oversee New Zealand's borders after Covid-19 re-entered the country.

With 740 new deaths, the US has seen more people die from the pandemic than died in World War I.

Coronavirus breakthrough drug is made in SA – and costs only R150 an injection

A cheap steroid, which is available from R149 an injection in South Africa, has been hailed as a breakthrough treatment to reduce fatalities among severely ill Covid-19 patients.

OPINION | Africa outperforms world economies in coronavirus mayhem

Obscured by the myriad stories of coronavirus global devastation are three headlines from the continent with no shortage of epidemics, man-made and natural disasters. That would be Africa. Of its 54 countries, six are among the top 10 fastest-growing economies in the world this year.

Coronavirus morning update: Warning from Mkhize, latest on testing and treatment

Health minister warns of spike in Covid-19 deaths and infections in coming days; a top scientist's views on testing; and a drug shows promise in treating the coronavirus.

This is what you should know about the widely available drug that is inexpensive, on the shelf, and can be used immediately to save the lives of severely ill patients suffering from coronavirus:

• The steroid dexamethasone has been found to reduce the risk of dying of coronavirus for critically ill patients, according to trial results.
• It is the first and only drug that has made a significant difference to patient mortality for Covid-19.
• The drug was administered to more than 2 000 severely ill patients in the UK.
• It reduced deaths by 35 percent among those who could only breathe with the help of a ventilator; and by one-fifth in other patients receiving oxygen only.
• The trial showed dexamethasone to be ineffective in treating patients with milder forms of the novel coronavirus.
• Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory.
• In a pill form, this medication is available in a variety of tablet sizes.
• Dexamethasone may also be given by infusion into a vein.
• It is normally used to treat a range of allergic reactions as well as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.
• Common side effects of taking Dexamethasone include increased appetite, irritability, insomnia, fluid retention, muscle weakness and increased blood sugar levels.
• Dexamethasone also go by trade names such as Decadron, Dexasone, Diodex, Hexadrol, Maxidex.

---

Here are some of our top stories of the day:

Mkhize warns of spike in Covid-19 deaths and infections in coming days

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said, in coming days, the country would see a rise in infections, more people would be hospitalised, and many would lose their lives. 

He said, to deal with the virus, it was no longer about what government says, but that it was about each individual. Mkhize also said citizens needed to build a culture of ensuring that they wear masks, wash hands and maintain physical distance. 

Covid-19: Re-testing previously diagnosed people before returning to work is 'nonsense' - scientist

people who did not meet a strict criteria for targeted testing should not be tested, says Professor Wolfgang Preiser, the head of division of medical virology at the Department of Pathology at the University of Stellenbosch.

"Going forward it will be vital to avoid testing patients that do not fulfil the criteria or, even worse, people who are not patients, for example, those who may have been exposed and need to be quarantined," he said. 

Malema: We will hold Ramaphosa responsible for any loss of lives

EFF leader Julius Malema says President Cyril Ramaphosa will be held personally liable for the loss of lives as a result of the coronavirus because he recklessly reopened the economy.

Speaking in a virtual Youth Day rally, Malema called for the reinstatement of the ban on alcohol saying the protection of life must valued over the desire for profit.

"We have warned Cyril Ramaphosa, who has constituted himself as an ally of white-monopoly capital and the coronavirus, that he will be held personally responsible for the loss of life that is going to happen as a result of his decisions," Malema said. 

Ramaphosa tells youth to rebuild economy after Covid-19

President Cyril Ramaphosa says there has to be life beyond the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ramaphosa was addressing a virtual Youth Day discussion on Tuesday focused on the Covid-19 pandemic, and he encouraged young people to take the lead in turning around the economy.

"We are looking forward to innovation and creativity and new ideas from young people. We want young people who are going to speak out and step forward. Covid-19 is pregnant with opportunities. So, I am throwing a challenge to young people to begin to see post-Covid-19. We need to set up different ways of running our economy, the ownership of the economy and managing our economy," he said.

OPINION | 4 key domains where young people have a powerful role to play amid Covid-19 crisis

It had been predicted that African countries could be hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. The lack of resources and strained healthcare services on the continent make coordinated and systemic responses challenging.

Moreover, African youth have the energy, the passion and the innovative mindsets to address many of the issues caused by the crisis.

Young people, when united, have enormous power and collective mobilisation – as South Africa’s history shows us.

We are reminded on Youth Day of the young people who, on 16 June 1976, took to the streets of Soweto and initiated a movement, setting in motion a chain of events that would ultimately contribute towards the demise of the apartheid state.

Youth Day reminds us of the role the young people have played in the past to drive change. In a world that is battling the Covid-19 pandemic, their vibrant energy and mobilising ability is needed more than ever – especially on the African continent.https://t.co/g9caqwADrt

— News24 (@News24) June 16, 2020

Global Covid-19 wrap : Potential Covid-19 treatment 'breakthrough', new cluster outbreak in China

China's capital was facing an "extremely severe" coronavirus threat on Tuesday, as New Zealand reported its first new infections in almost a month and fears mounted that the deadly pandemic is still far from under control.

More than eight million people have now been infected with the virus worldwide since it first emerged in China late last year - with more than 436 813 deaths - and the tolls are still surging in Latin America and South Asia.

However, British researchers were hailing a potential "major breakthrough" on Tuesday with a steroid treatment saving the lives of one-third of seriously ill patients in clinical trials.

British officials said patients would immediately have access to the steroid, dexamethasone.

It will be great news if dexamethasone, a cheap steroid, really does cut deaths by 1/3 in ventilated patients with COVID19, but after all the retractions and walk backs, it is unacceptable to tout study results by press release without releasing the paper. https://t.co/ZP5GVMUCW3

— Atul Gawande (@Atul_Gawande) June 16, 2020

Even without an effective treatment, caseloads and death rates have declined across Europe.

The UK, however, is still struggling with the world's third largest outbreak and New Zealand said the two new cases reported there were recent arrivals from Britain.

The South Pacific nation had declared last week that it had ended community transmission of the virus.

European countries are eager to drop coronavirus restrictions to save the imminent summer tourist season, but Spain warned that it may quarantine British visitors should the UK persist with its plan to quarantine all overseas arrivals.

And the latest reminder of the threat came from China, which had largely brought its outbreak under control, as 27 new infections were reported in Beijing, where a new cluster linked to a wholesale food market has sparked mass testing and neighbourhood lockdowns.

"The epidemic situation in the capital is extremely severe," Beijing city spokesman Xu Hejian warned, as the number of confirmed infections soared to 106.

While these cases have caused concern about a resurgence in countries that had suppressed their outbreaks, the disease is gaining momentum in other regions with massive populations.

Known infections in India have crossed 330 000, and already stretched authorities are bracing for the monsoon season, which causes outbreaks of illnesses such as dengue fever and malaria every year.

Vastly experienced doctor Vidya Thakur, medical superintendent at Mumbai's Rajawadi Hospital, is used to managing "heavy burdens", she says.

But Covid-19 "has left us helpless... and the monsoon will make things even more difficult", she says.

New Zealand reports first new virus cases in 25 days

New Zealand reported its first new cases of coronavirus in almost a month on Tuesday when two recent arrivals from Britain tested positive after being released early from quarantine to visit a dying relative.

The South Pacific nation, which has recorded only 22 deaths among a population of five million, declared last week it had eliminated community Covid-19 transmission - allowing it to relax social distancing measures and rely on strict border controls.One of the two women - who travelled from Britain via Doha and Brisbane - showed mild symptoms after landing at Auckland airport on 7 June, but her symptoms were ascribed to a pre-existing condition, local media reported.

The pair were allowed to leave two-week isolation early on 13 June on compassionate grounds and drove by car to Wellington, making contact with no one on the way, health department director-general Ashley Bloomfield said.

He said they tested positive after arriving in Wellington and were in isolation, along with the only relative they had contact with in the capital.

Officials immediately began tracking anyone that came in contact with the pair, aged in their 30s and 40s.

Bloomfield said he was not fearful the cases could lead to a fresh outbreak because systems were in place to trace their movements.

"A new case is something we hoped we wouldn't get, but it's also something we expected and have planned for," he told reporters.

AFP

Covid-19 wrap: International news

More than 8 million confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide: AFP tally

More than 8 million cases of novel coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide, with more than half in the United States and Europe, according to an AFP tally from official sources at 22:00 GMT on Monday.

At least 8 000 202 infections including 435 176 deaths, mostly in Europe, have been registered since the pandemic first emerged in China late last year.

Europe has 2 417 902 cases with 188 085 deaths. The USA has 2 110 182 cases and 116 081 deaths.

The number of confirmed cases has doubled since 10 May and another one million new cases have been detected in the last eight days.

That likely represents only a fraction of the real number of infections because most countries are only testing the most serious cases or only have limited testing capacity.

AFP

Latin America and Caribbean pass 80 000 Covid-19 deaths: AFP tally

Latin America and the Caribbean on Monday passed 80 000 Covid-19 deaths, more than half in Brazil as the virus accelerates across the region, according to an AFP count based on official figures.

Since the disease first spread in Latin America in March, a total of 80 505 deaths have been recorded, of which 43 959 occurred in Brazil, the second country in the world in number of fatalities after the United States.

AFP

Beijing reports 27 new virus cases as WHO warns of cause for 'concern'

China on Tuesday reported another 27 domestically transmitted coronavirus cases in Beijing, where a fresh cluster linked to a wholesale food market has sparked WHO concern and prompted a huge trace and test programme.

The new cases bring the number of infections confirmed in the Chinese capital over the last five days to 106, as city officials locked down more than 20 communities in the city and tested tens of thousands of people.

The National Health Commission also reported four new domestic infections in Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing, plus another in southwestern Sichuan province.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the new cluster was a cause for concern, given Beijing's size and connectivity.

"A cluster like this is a concern and it needs to be investigated and controlled - and that is exactly what the Chinese authorities are doing," WHO emergencies director Mike Ryan said.

AFP

Less than 400 US virus deaths in 24 hours for 2nd day: Johns Hopkins

The United State recorded less than 400 coronavirus-related deaths in 24 hours for the second day in a row, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

There were 385 new deaths at 00:30 on Tuesday, the tracker run by the Baltimore-based university showed, after a 24-hour toll of 382 the day before.This is the lowest daily death toll since the end of March.

AFP