As of today, the cumulative number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa is 131 800, with 7 210 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours. 

73 new deaths have been recorded.

3 from KwaZulu Natal, 13 from Eastern Cape, 17 from Gauteng Province and 40 from Western Cape. This brings the total deaths to 2 413.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States rose to more than 2.5 million on Saturday, according to a Reuters tally, as states including Arizona and Florida saw record rises.

More than 125 000 Americans have died of Covid-19, the highest known death toll from the disease in the world.

Schools: 523 pupils, 1 169 staff test positive for Covid-19 - Dept of Basic Education

The Department of Basic Education says 523 pupils and 1 169 school staff members have tested positive for Covid-19.In a statement on Saturday, the department said 775 schools across South Africa had been impacted.

Africa's unsung army of women wage war on Covid-19

Poorly paid or not at all, these unsung armies of mostly female community health workers have for years doled out advice and health services to families living in remote villages and urban slums who lack formal support.

Recruited and trained by government and charities - they are found from Kenya to Tanzania, Ethiopia to Malawi, Liberia to South Africa - the women go door to door, dispensing advice on everything from family planning to immunisations.

Covid-19 wrap: Nearly 10 million cases worldwide, WHO seeks to raise $31.3 billion for virus fight

A World Health Organization-led coalition fighting the Covid-19 pandemic is asking government and private sector donors to help raise $31.3 billion in the next 12 months to develop and deliver tests, treatments and vaccines for the disease.

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Gauteng as of 26 June 2020 sits at 31 344, with 7 712 recoveries and 149 deaths.

Out of a total of 26 649 contacts traced (these are individuals who were in contact with people who tested positive for Covid-19); 17 011 people have completed the 14 days monitoring period with no symptoms reported and therefore they are de-isolated.

A total number of 1240 of people are currently hospitalised in the public and private facility. 

- Gauteng Department of Health

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.