The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that experts from the global body would travel to China at the weekend to prepare a study of the origins of the novel coronavirus and how it jumped from animals to humans.

"The best place to start is clearly where the disease emerged in humans first, and where the disease emerged in humans first, where the first clusters of atypical pneumonia occurred, was in Wuhan," Dr Mike Ryan head of the WHO's emergencies programme, told a news briefing in Geneva.

Heavily criticised by the United States and others who have accused it of secrecy and a late response to the outbreak, which emerged in the central city of Wuhan late last year, China has said it was transparent throughout the early stages of the pandemic.

-Reuters

North West Premier Job Mokgoro tests positive for Covid-19

North West Premier Job Mokgoro has tested positive for Covid-19, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Vuyisile Ngesi, on Tuesday.

Mokgoro will be in self-isolation, Ngesi said.

"The premier will therefore continue to discharge his duties, albeit remotely, and has instructed members of the premier's support staff, who have worked with him closely in the last two weeks to test, while taking the necessary precautions," Ngesi said.

'Courts are not hospitals': Parents and teachers have mixed reactions to reopening ECD facilities

In delivering his judgement, Judge Hans Fabricius said that the Department of Social Development's (DSD) decision to keep the ECD sector closed under Level 3 lockdown restrictions was "unlawful and unconstitutional."

"We are delighted with the ruling," said sector head Marisa Engelbrecht whose trade union, the Solidarity Occupational Guild for Social Workers together with the Schools Support Centre (SSC) took legal action against the DSD to get the ECD sector up and running again.

WHO says Covid-19 isn't airborne - 239 scientists disagree - either way, precautions should remain

Nearly 240 scientists signed an open letter asking the World Health Organisation to acknowledge that the novel coronavirus could be transmitted through the air.

A growing body of research suggests that coronavirus aerosols can travel more than 6 feet (2 metres) from an infected person - meaning social distancing isn't enough to stop transmission.

Covid-19: 75 SANDF doctors, nurses deployed to assist Eastern Cape hospitals

The Eastern Cape's most overwhelmed hospitals, beset by a critical shortage of equipment, understaffing and a high number of Covid-19 infections, will be assisted by a military medical team of 75 doctors and nurses deployed to the province.

The announcement was made by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane on Tuesday during one of his weekly Covid-19 press briefings. 

Gauteng cops investigating alleged rape of 2-year-old while in Covid-19 isolation at hospital

In a response to News24's query surrounding the circumstances of the claims, Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Kwara Kekana said the hospital was conducting its own investigation and a preliminary report had been submitted to the head of department.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters told News24 that a rape case was opened at Ga-Rankuwa police station and was being prioritised in line with SAPS's direction on investigations of crime against women and children.

It is claimed the child was sexually abused while in isolation at the hospital.

*Warning: the article contains graphic details some readers may find disturbing.

'The reality for everyone is different': ECD educators respond to Covid-19 safety protocols

The Gauteng High Court has given Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres the green light to open for business, delivering judgment on Monday, 6 July. 

And while the ruling has been made, ECD centres must first ensure that it complies with the Department of Social Development's (DSD) 60-page Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) manual for their reopening to be legal.

Australia's second-biggest city Melbourne under new coronavirus lockdown

Five million Melbourne residents were ordered back into lockdown after coronavirus cases surged in Australia's second-biggest city on Tuesday.

Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews announced a six-week lockdown would begin on Wednesday, warning "we can't pretend" the virus crisis is over.

It is the first such spike in Australia since the virus was believed to have been suppressed countrywide in April, and is a brutal reminder that risks remain even as life returns to normal.

Eastern Cape to turn museums, hostels into field hospitals to combat risky self-isolation behaviour

The Eastern Cape government plans to turn 18 state-owned properties, such as museums and hostels, into field hospitals after they found that people engaged in risky behaviour while self-isolating.

On Tuesday, Premier Oscar Mabuyane announced that the province was looking at ways to ensure that less people put their communities at risk by engaging in "inappropriate and dangerous" behaviour.

He said the provincial coronavirus command council made the decision in order to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Two frontline City of Joburg officers die of 'Covid-19 related complications'

Two City of Johannesburg frontline staffers have died of "Covid-19 related complications".

Both men died on Friday.

Dis-Chem fined R1.2 million after losing price gouging case for surgical masks

Pharmacy chain Dis-Chem has been found guilty by the Competition Tribunal of price gouging, and fined R1.2 million, for hiking the cost of surgical face masks at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The case was referred to the tribunal by the Competition Commission in April, after the competition watchdog received complaints from the public about excessive pricing for masks.

Media24 considers closing 5 magazines, 2 newspapers, as Covid-19 slashes circulation

"The pandemic has accelerated the pre-existing and long-term structural decline in print media, resulting in a devastating impact on our own already fragile print media operations with significant declines in both circulation and advertising since April," said Ishmet Davidson, the CEO of Media24, in a statement on Tuesday morning. 

The publisher will also consider taking two newspapers digital only and reducing staff in related support services. 

Govt gave these SA groups millions to develop Covid-19 tests, chemicals – they have six months to do it

Seven South African companies, organisations and researchers received R18 million from the department of science and innovation to produce locally-developed chemicals and kits to test for Covid-19.

As the novel coronavirus spreads through SA, its testing laboratories are struggling to keep up, in part due to a shortage of supplies.

SA's universities need R1.8 billion to be Covid-19 ready

South Africa's universities need R1.85 billion as part of their Covid-19 campus readiness plans, but Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande assessed it as unrealistic as many items indicated "were unnecessary".

Photos show incredible coronavirus-themed drone messages flying over South Korea

On 4 July, hundreds of drones took the skies of Seoul, South Korea, to display incredible images of encouragement and awareness during the coronavirus pandemic.

'We trust the teachers with our children's lives' - East London parent

No longer having to juggle between parenting a 12-year-old child who is home alone and a full-time job as a frontline worker in the fight against Covid-19, is a welcome relief for East London medical technologist Asanda Tyokolo thanks to Grade 6 pupils returning to school.

Passengers on Qatar Airways must now wear a face shield as well as a mask - except in business class

Qatar Airways is stepping up its onboard personal hygiene requirements by requiring its passengers to wear not only a face mask but also a face shield.

Coronavirus morning update: Gauteng govt looking at stricter measures; and court rules on preschools

The Gauteng government has not asked, and will not ask, for the Level 4 or 5 lockdown to be brought back; and the Gauteng High Court has ruled on private preschools.

Here are some of our top stories:

North West Cogta MEC Gordon Kegakilwe dies after testing positive for Covid-19

North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gordon Kegakilwe has died, according to Premier Job Mokgoro.

In a statement, Mokgoro said Kegakilwe died following a "short and serious illness" and had tested positive for Covid-19.

Gordon Kegakilwe.

EXPLAINER | What we know about plans to bring back Gauteng's hard lockdown

Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku has reportedly called on the National Coronavirus Command Council to reintroduce a hard lockdown in the province amid a spike in Covid-19 cases.

This follows statements by Health Minister Zweli Mkize last week that a hard lockdown "may become necessary" to curb the pandemic.

DA slams 'top secret' draft plan to put a command council in charge of municipalities

A plan in what appears to be a "top secret" draft document from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs proposes the centralisation of municipalities with a structure similar to the National Coronavirus Command Council in charge.

The DA unearthed the document, and the party's deputy spokesperson on cooperative governance Cilliers Brink likens it to a coup d'état.

Back to school: Angie Motshekga 'anxious' about her grandkids, but 'I have to accept it'

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has admitted that she is "anxious" about her grandchildren's return to school, but says she has to accept it.

Motshekga was interviewed by eNCA morning anchor Jane Dutton about the department's readiness to receive pupils in Grades 6 and 11 following a months-long lockdown.

Cape Town mosque uses booking system to ensure safe prayers during Covid-19

Watch here:

Parents barricade gates of Limpopo schools as more grades return to the classroom

Parents at some schools in Limpopo barricaded gates on the first day of the return of pupils on Monday because of lack of preventative measures against Covid-19.

News24 received reports from various areas, especially in the deep rural areas, where some parents used the first day after lockdown to demand improved infrastructure at the schools.

Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba has promised harsh action against officials who fail to order personal protective equipment (PPE) and medication from the provincial pharmaceutical depot.

She issued the warning during her visit to a depot in Seshego, Polokwane, on Monday, after an outcry over shortages of PPE for emergency medical services personnel and medication for chronic illnesses at health facilities.

After a walkabout at the depot, Ramathuba said she was satisfied there were enough items required for healthcare available. She said there was enough to last up to three months.

Her visit also comes after the death of Limpopo-based veteran journalist Karen Venter.

Disaster Management Act: FF Plus court bid dismissed

The FF Plus' court bid challenging the constitutionality of the Disaster Management Act has been dismissed by the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday.

The party's application was dismissed without costs, while judgment on some aspect of the relief was postponed.

Nearly 3 000 coronavirus cases at mines, with platinum workers bearing the brunt

A total of 18 mineworkers have so far died from Covid-19, with nearly 3 000 workers having tested positive for the virus, according to data released by the Minerals Council on Monday.

More than half of the deaths were in the platinum sector, which has seen the highest number of infections as companies ramp up production following the easing of lockdown regulations.

Gold mines, which have some of the world's deepest shafts, have reported six deaths, while no deaths have occurred in the coal sector.

Lechesa Tsenoli on claims about his death: 'The report of my death was an exaggeration'

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli can relate with the immortal words of Mark Twain, who wrote: "The report of my death was an exaggeration."

Covid-19 UIF fund fraud: 5 accused granted R 5 000 bail

The 25-year-old man accused of defrauding the UIF Covid-19 relief fund, to the tune of over R5.6 million, has been granted bail along with his four co-accused, who are family members.

Tshepang Phohole appeared in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court on Monday, alongside his girlfriend, stepfather, sister and his brother in-law.

Paul Mashatile goes into self-quarantine after staffer tests positive for Covid-19

As the ANC's treasurer general Paul Mashatile mourns yet another tragic death in his family, he does so, going into self-isolation after a staffer in his office tested positive for Covid-19.

The ANC made the announcement on Monday, a day after announcing the death of his wife Manzi Mashatile and a week after he laid his mother to rest.

Presidency defends lockdown in case against gym owners

Permitting all activities that arguably affect or give full effect to various rights in the Bill of Rights would collapse the national lockdown.

That's according to the Presidency's director-general Cassius Lubisi, who defended government's decision to prohibit the re-opening of gyms and other fitness facilities under Level 3 lockdown after the United Gym and Fitness Facilities took government to court challenge the decision.

How to be polite while keeping your distance and socialising safely

Things like grabbing a drink with a friend can become a minefield. Are you comfortable with their level of distancing? Who have they been seeing? Is it safe to go to their home or to go to a patio restaurant? And how do you even begin to ask them all of these questions politely?

The coronavirus pandemic has changed how we work, how we relax, and - as restrictions begin to ease, for better or worse - how we interact with one another.

Springboks: Rugby Championship defence looking doubtful

Will the Springboks be uncontested Rugby Championship 2019 title-holders at the end of the 2020 calendar year? I believe that scenario, sadly, is drawing closer and closer to fruition.

Remember that the longer the gap between last playing activity - Super Rugby-proper came to a grinding halt in mid-March - and resumption of competitive rugby, the more time will be required to get players to required conditioning levels for the rigours of combat.

Cinemas, theatres and libraries can now reopen – here are all the new rules

On Monday, government gazetted the long-awaited rules that allow libraries, museums, cinemas and theatres to reopen.

Cinemas and theatres are only allowed 50 people at a time (excluding staff), and visitors must maintain a physical distance of 1.5m from each other.

Patrons’ temperatures will be screened before entry, and those with elevated temperatures will be refused access.

Back to school: Eastern Cape postpones return of Grades R, 6 and 11 as Covid-19 cases rise

Due to a high number of Covid-19 cases at schools, the Eastern Cape education department has postponed the return date for pupils in Grades R, 6 and 11.

The department confirmed on Monday that pupils in Grades R, 6 and 11, who were meant to return on Monday, would head back on 20 July instead.

EXPLAINER | What we know about plans to bring back Gauteng's hard lockdown

The Gauteng government reportedly asked the NCCC to introduce a higher lockdown level in the province due to a surge in Covid-19 cases. 

Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku has reportedly called on the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) to reintroduce a hard lockdown in the province amid a spike in Covid-19 cases.

This follows statements by Health Minister Zweli Mkize last week that a hard lockdown "may become necessary" to curb the pandemic.

Gauteng, the smallest and most populous province in South Africa, is set to overtake the Western Cape with most Covid-19 in the coming days. 

OPINION | Government's strategy needs to change to be successful in fight against Covid-19

With close to 200 000 (about 100 000 active) Covid-19 infections and 10 000 new cases daily, the South African government's strategy to curb infections will need to change. The projections, based on the application of the government's risk-adjusted strategy, and actual infections are growing further and further apart.

Threatening to go back to a Level 4, or even a Level 5, lockdown is not going to do the trick, and it doesn't appear that the president's appeal for behavioural change is being taken seriously.

Covid-19 lockdown: United Gyms takes govt to court in bid to get back on the treadmill

Rudolph van der Westhuizen, chairperson of United Gyms, filed an urgent interim court application, asking the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town to order President Cyril Ramaphosa and several other ministers to temporarily include gyms (health and fitness clubs) in the amended regulations under Level 3, 2 and 1 of the national lockdown, as well as to reopen the facilities under strict health protocols.

Back to school: 'We missed you guys,' Motshekga tells returning pupils

"Did you miss us? We missed you guys. Are you happy to be back?" Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga asked Grade 11 pupils at the Noordwyk Secondary School in Midrand, Gauteng, on Monday morning. 

Motshekga visited to several schools in the area to inspect their readiness to receive Grade 6 and 11 pupils, after 105 days at home owing to the coronavirus lockdown regulations. Grades 7s and 12s returned to school on 8 June. 

WATCH | Covid-19: Cape Town mosque uses booking system to ensure safe prayers

The Sulaimani Mosque in Goodwood, Cape Town, is using an online registry to keep track of how many congregants attend their Friday prayers.

The mosque was one of only a handful in Cape Town to reopen under lockdown Level 3. 

EXCLUSIVE | Government instructs SAFA to play 'overarching' role in PSL return

Minister of Arts, Culture and Sports Nathi Mthethwa on Sunday requested that the South African Football Association (SAFA) assume its expected role of ensuring compliance from Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams in their return to training protocol.

In an official letter seen by Sport24, Mthethwa requested that SAFA - the governing body that controls football in South Africa - "play an overarching role" in monitoring compliance during the resumption of all football activities.