WATCH | Coronavirus: The 11 countries where WHO Europe says Covd-19 is on the rise

Which 11 countries in WHO's European region have seen their Covid-19 outbreaks accelerate in recent weeks?

International news Covid-19 wrap: 

Brazil registers 46 860 additional coronavirus cases, 990 deaths 

Brazil registered 46 860 new cases of the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours and 990 additional deaths, the Health Ministry said on Friday.

The nation has now registered 1 274 974 total confirmed cases of the virus and 55 961 deaths.

Reuters

Indonesia reports biggest daily rise in coronavirus infections with 1 385 cases      

Indonesia on Saturday reported its biggest daily increase in coronavirus infections with 1 385 new cases, taking the total to 52 812, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said.

Yurianto also said there had been 37 more coronavirus-related deaths, taking the total number of fatalities to 2 720.

Separately, local authorities said that nine people aboard a flight from Indonesia to Cambodia tested positive after reaching Cambodia. Of them, one was Indonesian and eight Cambodians.

Reuters

Hotels and ashrams repurposed for Delhi coronavirus surge     

Staff at the luxury Suryaa hotel used to wear bright saris as they welcomed guests. Now they must don medical suits and handle gurneys as New Delhi desperately prepares for a predicted surge in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks.

The pandemic is still raging in India with more than half a million cases. The capital, home to 25 million people, is the country's worst-hit city - its hospitals at breaking point and authorities reaching deep to confront the crisis.

The Delhi authorities have even started converting a spiritual centre or ashram into a coronavirus isolation facility and hospital with 10 000 beds, many made of cardboard.

AFP

Australia's Victoria struggles to contain coronavirus    

Australia's state of Victoria recorded 41 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Saturday, double the daily rate seen a week ago, struggling to gain control over the pandemic while the rest of the country continues easing social distancing restrictions.

Victoria, the country's second-most-populated state, has now seen 11 straight days of double-digit new cases, most linked to known outbreaks in Melbourne's suburbs, health officials said.

Victoria has 204 of Australia's total of about 270 active cases. "We are very concerned," deputy chief health officer of Victoria, Annaliese van Diemen, said at a press conference.

Reuters        

Covid-19: Dirco closes OR Tambo Building after 2 staffers test positive

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has temporarily closed the OR Tambo Building in Pretoria after two staff members tested positive for Covid-19.

International Covid-19 wrap:

New US coronavirus cases hit 45 242 for biggest one-day increase of pandemic

The United States recorded 45 242 new cases of Covid-19 on Friday, the largest single-day increase of the pandemic, according to a Reuters tally, bringing the total number of Americans who have tested positive to at least 2.48 million.

The new record for positive Covid-19 tests comes as several states at the centre of a new surge in infections took steps back from efforts to ease restrictions on businesses.

Covid-19 is the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.

Governor Greg Abbott ordered bars across Texas to close by mid-day and required restaurants to limit indoor seating capacity to 50%, while Florida state officials told bars to immediately stop serving alcohol on their premises.

Reuters

India passes 500 000 coronavirus cases

India now has more than 500 000 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to government figures released Saturday that showed a record daily leap of 18 500 new infections.

Authorities said a total of 15 685 people had died after another 385 fatalities were added to the toll in 24 hours. The pandemic is not expected to peak in India for several more weeks and experts say the number of cases could pass one million before the end of July.

AFP

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 687 to 193 243 - RKI The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 687 to 193 243, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday.

The reported death toll rose by six to 8 954, the tally showed.

Reuters

Mexico reports 5 441 new coronavirus cases, 719 more deaths

Mexico's health ministry reported on Friday 5 441 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infections and 719 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 208 392 cases and 25 779 deaths.

The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.    

Reuters      

Level 3: You can visit friends and family at casinos, restaurants - but not at home

With the new Level 3 lockdown regulations gazetted, you will soon be able to visit friends and family at restaurants, cinemas and casinos, but you are not legally allowed to visit them at home.

During President Cyril Ramaphosa's address on 17 June, he announced that Cabinet had decided to ease restrictions on a few more economic activities.

Coronavirus morning update: Lockdown regulations, cigarette ban court bids dismissed

The Western Cape High Court has ruled that lockdown regulations are justified; while a bid to have the cigarette ban overturned, has also been dismissed with costs.

There are 124 590 coronavirus cases in the country after 6 215 new infections were reported.

48 new deaths brings the total deaths to 2 340.

There are 64 111 recoveries.

Covid-19 wrap: Texas 'halts' reopening amid new surge, toilet paper hoarding back in Australia

The governor of Texas temporarily halted the state’s reopening as Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations surged and the United States set a record for a one-day increase in cases.

Texas’ rising numbers are part of a nationwide resurgence reported in states that were spared the brunt of the initial outbreak or moved early to lift restrictions on residents and businesses.

City of Cape Town pays tribute to firefighter who died of Covid-19

The City of Cape Town on Friday paid tribute to one of its firefighters after he died of Covid-19.

The 48-year-old divisional commander, Makosandile Mbhokhwe, died in hospital on Sunday, 21 June, the City said in a statement.

Five Nedbank employees are in 14-day quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19.

The bank confirmed this to News24 after an employee, who asked to remain anonymous, complained that staff at its offices in Meadowdale, Johannesburg, had been being forced to work despite colleagues testing positive."Of the five active cases at work, one of them is in hospital.

A few weeks ago when they cases started emerging we were told to leave because we were filled with anxiety.

In commemoration of Freedom Charter, Ramaphosa calls on private sector's assistance

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the private sector to display a spirit of social solidarity by making available facilities to assist the country in the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said the reality in South Africa was that people living in densely populated informal areas would find it either difficult or impossible to self-isolate or quarantine.

Tshwane bus services suspended, depots closed after positive case

The City of Tshwane had to temporarily suspend its bus operations and close its depots on Friday following a positive Covid-19 case.

In a statement, the City said affected depots and the buses would be disinfected and that the suspension of operations was needed to lower the risk of the virus spreading further.

Holidays still banned: South Africans only allowed to take day trips

Government has decided not to relax travel rules in South Africa – no leisure travel will be allowed under “advanced” lockdown Level 3.

Only business travellers can stay over in accommodation like hotels and guest houses, as has been the case for some time now.You are still only allowed “self-drive” day trips, and these may be only within your province of residence.

Travel over provincial borders is only allowed under certain strict conditions, for example for work, medical procedures, funerals or university.

Western Cape High Court rules that lockdown regulations are justified, dismisses application

An application to have the lockdown regulations declared invalid, and the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) declared inconsistent with the Constitution and the Disaster Management Act, was dismissed in the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town on Friday.

Last month, Mpiyakhe Dlamini, Duwayne Esau, Tami Jackson, Lindo Khuzwayo, Mikhail Manuel, Neo Mkwane, Scott Roberts and Riaan Salie brought the application.

R200 million in relief fund is not enough and "that's why we've been appealing" to reopen the industry, says Kubayi-Ngubane.

Leisure activities aren't allowed, only business or permitted activities.

Self driving is allowed (depending on hotspots) within a province but accommodation is not allowed.

Alcohol regulations fall under the Trade and Industry department.

Current regulations state that alcohol should be consumed off site and that has not changed, says Kubayi-Ngubane.

2540 businesses have been paid through the relief fund, a total of R127 million.

Restaurants, casinos, coffee shops should provide regular training for staff - for the use, reuse and wearing masks

- basic hygiene pratice

-package handling

-handling of customers

The number of people entering casinos should not be more than 50% of the gambling floor space.

The must be record keeping of employees, delivering staff and those entering the casino.

Guests can be denied access if they do not comply with screening and sanitation.

Guests should be isolated if applicable.

Sanitising of microphones and podiums should happen after every new use by a delegate.

Number of conferences and meeting venues should not exceed 50 people and social distancing should be adhered to.

Records of all attendees should be kept.

Screening stations should be set up at all entrances.

Where possible, delegates should be taken to an isolation room.

No buffets should offered.

Menus should be offered as none touch options or it should be sanitised after every use.

Screening questionnaires should be taken of customers and not allow customers without protective gear.

Masks are only allowed to be off when customers are eating.

Markings should be clear where distance is observed.

Staff should move in clear maked paths and keep social distance and not pass each other at a close distance.

Customers should wear masks.

Restaurants, fast food outlets and coffee shops should keep records of staff, delivery personnel.

Screening should take place and ensure that staff wear masks.

Delivered products should be santintised.

Kubayi-Ngubane visited accommodation places and restaurants.

She says the decision to permit tourism services are welcomed.

Government's relief not enough - Eastern Cape MEC

Government's Covid-19 relief grants have made very little impact to cushion the economic blows South Africa's youth face.

This is according to Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Siphokazi Lusithi who addressed the Youth Parliament sitting in the National Assembly on Friday.

FITA's court bid to have cigarette ban overturned dismissed with costs

The High Court in Pretoria has dismissed with costs an application by the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association to have government's ban on the sale of tobacco products overturned.

FITA argued that cigarettes should be viewed as essential on the basis that tobacco is addictive, among other things.

Over 1 000 pupils and teachers test positive for Covid-19 in Western and Eastern Cape

- More than 550 pupils, teachers and support staff have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Eastern Cape, while 154 provincial schools have been temporarily closed, the education department said on Friday. 

- More than 700 teachers and school staff and 88 pupils have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Western Cape to date according to this week's provisional stats, Education MEC Debbie Schäfer has said.

Tourism Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, will host a virtual media briefing at 17:00 today to outline the amendment to regulations for the advanced Covid-19 Alert Level 3 which impacts on the tourism sector. 

The Minister will also utilise the briefing to provide an update on the intervention to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the tourism sector.  

Follow it live on News24.

Govt lawyers in sudden about-turn, get court to delay cigarette case until August

British American Tobacco South Africa's case challenging the tobacco ban was due to be heard next week. Now it has been postponed for more than a full month until early August.

BATSA says the "shock news will... cost South Africa more than R1.4 billion and thousands of jobs as justice is delayed by almost six weeks."

Covid-19 wrap: One-day record as cases surge in US, while Mexico tops 25 000 deaths and 200 000 cases

The governor of Texas temporarily halted the state's reopening as Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations surged and the US set a new record for a one-day increase in cases.

WATCH | Covid-19: 'We didn't know who was going to be next' - EC hospital worker's fear

A staffer at the Wilhelm Stahl Hospital in the Eastern Cape has detailed the fear of watching other colleagues fall ill with Covid-19.

The hospital was forced to close down earlier this month for three days after 30 staff members were infected. 

Nurses and cleaning staff at the hospital, nestled in the small rural town of Middelburg, downed tools after the 30 were infected.

The Level 3 rules have just changed - what you need to know

New regulations have been published, which will open cinemas, museums and restaurants (for sit-down meals) - but not just yet. You can now exercise with three more people - but gyms must remained closed. 

Families forced to postpone funerals after 9 bodies stored in morgue with body of Covid-19 patient

The families of nine people, who died in Mpumalanga, have to wait before they can bury their loved ones after the body of a person who had died of Covid-19 was mistakenly stored in the same mortuary at KwaMhlanga Hospital. 

FEEL GOOD | Cape Town domestic worker runs food aid programme for neighbours in her free time

Worried about her hungry neighbours suffering during the Covid-19 lockdown and job wipe-outs, Cape Town domestic worker Lauren Juries has started a soup kitchen in her flat in Ottery.

Covid-19 stigma: Woman forced to flee home after family rejects her

A Middelburg woman left home in fear of being victimised after testing positive for Covid-19.

A local councillor says stigma around Covid-19 is getting worse in the area, and people are demanding the government tell them on which street infected community members live.

Coronavirus morning update: Date set for cigarette sales ban challenge to be heard in court

Your latest coronavirus news: British American Tobacco South Africa and Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma are set to face off in court next week over the cigarette sales ban.

Restaurants, cinemas and casinos are now unbanned – but must wait for more rules before opening

A number of leisure activities were technically unbanned under Alert Level 3 of SA's lockdown late on Thursday night – but in a way that still makes it illegal for establishments to actually open their doors.

SA recorded it's highest number of coronavirus infections - 6 579 - in 24 hours bringing the number of infections to 118 375.

The total number of deaths is 2 292 - 2 from Gauteng, 15 from KwaZulu Natal, 17 from Eastern Cape from 53 Western Cape.

The number of recoveries is 59 974 which translates to a recovery rate of 50,7% health minister Zweli Mkhize said in a statement.

Here's some of our top stories:

EXPLAINER | Level 3: What we know about restaurants reopening

Eight days since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that restaurants, hair salons and nail salons would be allowed to reopen for sitdowns under Level 3 of the lockdown, restaurants are still waiting on the government to publish regulations.

In a televised address, Ramaphosa said there was a limit to how long businesses such as restaurants could remain closed during a lockdown, and that government support was not enough to keep them open.

'There isn’t much merit from a scientific perspective in banning smoking' - top scientist

Top scientist Professor Shabir Madhi says that, from a scientific perspective, there isn't much merit in preventing the sale of cigarettes but allowing people to buy alcohol.

Madhi, the professor of vaccinology at the University of the Witwatersrand and the director of the Medical Research Council's respiratory and meningeal pathogens research unit, was responding to a question on the "cigarette debate" on a MyHealthTV.com webinar on Wednesday.

Western Cape building a 'mass-fatality facility' for Covid-19 corpses

Cape Town will soon have a "Mass-Fatality Temporary Facility" to refrigerate and store hundreds of patients who succumb to Covid-19.

This was announced on Thursday by the Western Cape provincial government, which is building the site in partnership with the City of Cape Town.

The surge was expected - Gauteng health MEC as positive cases rise to 26 156

Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku says the surge of cases in the province was expected after it recorded the second highest number of Covid-19 positive cases in the country.

As of 25 June, the province had recorded 26 156 positive cases, with 6 627 recoveries and 147 deaths.

Can we drink, smoke or have sex in quarantine? - Capetonians ask govt

Many people are refusing to be quarantined and isolated in the Western Cape.

Among the concerns are not being able to drink, smoke or have sex. Others are worried about their homes and Covid-19 stigma if word gets out they have the virus.

EXPLAINER | Level 3: What we know about restaurants reopening

Eight days since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that restaurants, hair salons and nail salons would be allowed to reopen for sitdowns under Level 3 of the lockdown, restaurants are still waiting on the government to publish regulations.

In a televised address, Ramaphosa said there was a limit to how long businesses such as restaurants could remain closed during a lockdown, and that government support was not enough to keep them open.

Motshekga: 98% of pupils back at school

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga justified the decision to reopen schools amid the Covid-19 pandemic, saying 98% of pupils have returned to schools.

"The response confirms the correctness of our decision," she told the National Council of Provinces on Thursday."