Coronavirus morning update: Alcohol banned again, and curfew also imposed

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that alcohol will be banned again with immediate effect in order to lessen the strain on hospital beds - and a curfew will be imposed again.

Bara hospital treated almost 3 000 patients in its trauma unit in June

The Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg, treated close to 3 000 patients in its trauma unit during June.

Statistics compiled by the Gauteng Department of Health, and shared with News24, show that between the period of 1 to 30 June, the trauma unit treated 2 730 patients.

In his address on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that while the country would remain on Level 3 of the lockdown regulations, the sale and distribution of alcohol was immediately banned.

In addition, he announced that a curfew from 21:00 to 04:00 would take effect from Monday.

He also said that the national state of disaster will be extended to 15 August.

Owners of public buildings, and public transport operators would be legally obliged to ensure that people on their premises wore masks.

"Employers, shop owners and managers, public transport operators, and managers and owners of any other public building are now legally obliged to ensure that anyone entering their premises or vehicle must be wearing a mask," Ramaphosa said.

Visiting family and other social gatherings was still not permitted but auctions could resume, provided the necessary restrictions were in place.

Parks would be opened for exercise, but not for gatherings.

South Africa saw an increase of 12 058 Covid-19 cases bringing the total to 276 242.

There are 108 new deaths, taking the death toll to 4 079.

More than 134 000 recoveries have been reported.

Ramaphosa condemned "reckless" South Africans who refused to wear masks, attended parties and those who failed to adhere to the minimum of 50 attendees at funerals.

Taxis undertaking local trips will now be permitted to increase their capacity to 100%, while long distance taxis will not be allowed to exceed 70% occupancy.

Health facilities in numerous provinces were under tremendous strain, with the president confirming a shortfall of at least 12 000 healthcare workers.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on Sunday at 20:00 on developments in South Africa’s risk-adjusted strategy to manage the spread of Covid-19.

The president’s address follows a number of meetings of the Cabinet, the National Coronavirus Command Council and the President's Coordinating Council.

For the first time in more than three weeks, President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on Sunday night.

He convened a special meeting of cabinet on Sunday ahead of the national briefing.

He may announce restrictions on alcohol sales following pleas from Health Minister Zweli Mkhize and others.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation tonight, Presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko has confirmed to News24. A time has yet to be announced. We will update our readers with a time as soon as it is confirmed.

You can follow it on News24 via our live stream or live update.

WATCH | Isolated and overwhelmed: Prison official nearing retirement talks about his Covid-19 fight

An emotional Edmund Felix spoke to News24 about his journey after contracting Covid-19. The correctional services official who works at the Warmbokkeveld Correctional Facility, attributed his recovery to his strong faith.

Covid-19: Are SA’s district hospitals government’s coronavirus blindspot?

South Africa's hospitals are quickly filling up, as the country's Covid-19 infection rate surpasses the 200 000 mark and shows no signs of slowing down, and the country’s district hospitals are no exception.

But experts say these hospitals cannot cope with treating critically ill patients, and they are often hours away from the nearest hospitals that can.

At over 250 facilities, district hospitals make up more than half of the total public hospitals in South Africa. Many are situated in rural areas, already suffering from poor infrastructure and chronic skills shortages.

INFOGRAPHICS | Gauteng's done more Covid-19 tests than any province - is that why it has more cases?

 - Week on week, the percentage of people testing positive has increased to 26.7% of all tests nationally, which may be a product of targeted testing.

- The public remains in the dark about testing strategies and backlogs as government-run labs see a marked decrease in tests done daily.

- Of the more than two million coronavirus tests conducted nationwide since February, 35% of those tests were conducted on people living in Gauteng.

Coronavirus morning update: Latest on Gauteng hospitals, 9 more police stations close over Covid-19

The number of Covid-19 patients admitted to hospitals in Gauteng is "rising very fast"; and nine police stations are closed for decontamination over positive cases.

Family remembers pastor who died as a 'soldier of Christ', husband and father

Like a thief in the night, Covid-19 continues to hit hundreds of homes and take away loved ones.

Among the thousands of homes hit by a sudden death is that of 46-year-old Nthuthuzelo Herald Ponoyi from George, in the Western Cape.Ponoyi died on Saturday 4 July following a short illness after contracting the virus. He was born in King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape on 7 March 1974. (Image: Supplied)

Global deaths climb to more than 560 000

The pandemic has killed at least 560,425 people worldwide since it surfaced in China late last year. The United States is the hardest-hit country with 134,097 deaths.

It is followed by Brazil with 70,398, Britain with 44,650, Italy with 34,938 and Mexico with 34,191 fatalities.

Struggle stalwart Thomas Manthata dies

Struggle stalwart and former commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Thomas "Tom" Manthata died on Friday night at the age of 80.

His death was confirmed to News24 by ANC Veterans League president, Snuki Zikalala. He died of Covid-19-related complications, according to a report by SABC News.

EXPLAINER | When are you a 'close contact' of someone who is Covid-19 positive?

As positive Covid-19 cases continue to spread through society, more and more people want to know what deems one a "close contact" when someone they know has tested positive.

And what do you do when you aren't quite a "close contact", but are still concerned about exposure or vulnerability?

Fortunately, South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has a few guidelines.

As of Friday, 10 July, the City of Johannesburg has the highest number of Covid-19 cases at 38 045 - 46.6% of the total 81 546 cases in the province.

The sub-district of City of Johannesburg D has the highest number of cases - 8 327. The areas in the district are Doornkop, Soweto, Dobsonville and Protea Glen.

This is followed by City of Johannesburg F, with 7 717 cases. The areas in the district are the inner city and Johannesburg South.

More patients in hospital, beds under pressure, but Gauteng's hospitals have not reached capacity - Mkhize

The number of Covid-19 patients admitted to hospitals in Gauteng is "rising very fast", which coincides with the drastic increase in confirmed cases of the virus in the province, but hospitals have still not reached capacity, said Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize.

Another 9 police stations closed after officers test positive

Five police stations in Limpopo, three in the Free State and one in Gauteng have been closed after positive Covid-19 cases were reported.

There are 250 687 coronavirus cases, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said.

The number of deaths jumped by 140 to 3860.

The number of recoveries is 118 232, which translates to a recovery rate of 47,2%.

Gauteng has 87 033 infections. 

Alcohol sales ban back in the spotlight amid complaints to govt's coronavirus command council

The increase in the number of alcohol-related trauma cases and its impact on the health system has been tabled before the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said this on Friday during a visit to Tshwane District Hospital as Gauteng's Covid-19 cases increased sharply.

1 647 cases reported to IPID between March and June, of which 249 were completed

An investigation into the death of Collins Khosa is one of 249 cases the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) completed during the lockdown.

Without going into the outcome the investigation, acting IPID executive director Patrick Setshedi told the Portfolio Committee on Police, in response to a question by ANC MP Jacqueline Mofokeng, that they have made recommendations to the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the police.

City of Johannesburg is the hotspot - here's a breakdown of the numbers

As of Friday, 10 July, the City of Johannesburg has the highest number of Covid-19 cases at 38 045 - 46.6% of the total 81 546 cases in the province.

The sub-district of City of Johannesburg D has the highest number of cases - 8 327. The areas in the district are Doornkop, Soweto, Dobsonville and Protea Glen.

Moody's: Covid-19 could push public debt close to 100% in two years

Moody's expects SA's economic activity to pick up in the second half of the year, but it will still remain weak.

Furthermore, Covid-19 is expected to push public debt to nearly 100% of GDP by March 2022.

Nehawu furious after nurse dies of Covid-19: 'She was a breadwinner and she is gone now'

The Mpumalanga provincial leadership of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) on Friday accused the provincial health department of not sufficiently protecting its frontline workers after a nurse from KwaMhlanga Hospital died of Covid-19.

Provincial secretary of Nehawu, Welcome Mnisi, told News24 the nurse contracted Covid-19 on duty at KwaMhlanga Hospital and was transferred to Witbank Tertiary Hospital, where she died on 3 July.

There are 250 687 coronavirus cases, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said.

The number of deaths jumped by 140 to 3860.

The number of recoveries is 118 232, which translates to a recovery rate of 47,2%.

Gauteng has 87 033 infections. 

Queen Noloyiso to be laid to rest in special official funeral, flags to fly at half mast

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special provincial funeral for the late Queen Noloyiso Sandile, Regent of the Royal House of the AmaRharhabe.

In a statement on Friday, presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko said Ramaphosa had declared a special official funeral category one.

#SchoolStayAway gets no support from teacher unions despite sharing similar concerns

Teacher unions acknowledge there are issues still facing schools amid the Covid-19 pandemic, but they do not support disruptions by political movements trying to gain a "foothold" by using schools. 

News24 spoke to the unions on Friday during demonstrations at schools - under the hashtag #SchoolStayAway - curated by, among other organisations, former DA leader Mmusi Maimane's One South Africa Movement (OSAM).

Nehawu furious after nurse dies of Covid-19: 'She was a breadwinner and she is gone now'

The Mpumalanga provincial leadership of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) on Friday accused the provincial health department of not sufficiently protecting its frontline workers after a nurse from KwaMhlanga Hospital died of Covid-19.

Provincial secretary of Nehawu, Welcome Mnisi, told News24 the nurse contracted Covid-19 on duty at KwaMhlanga Hospital and was transferred to Witbank Tertiary Hospital, where she died on 3 July.

Policing has 'come at a cost' - 5 000 officers infected, 36 fatalities, says Bheki Cele

Police Minister Bheki Cele says policing during the Covid-19 pandemic has "come at a cost" to the South African Police Service (SAPS), saying 5 000 officers became infected and 36 lost their lives. 

"Armed with your masks, gloves hand sanitisers and other protective gear, the SAPS rose to the occasion. You left the comforts of your homes and went out into the eye of the storm when the public heeded [President Cyril Ramaphosa's] call to stay at home," Cele said. 

The US recorded over 65,000 Covid-19 infections in a day

The US on Thursday recorded its highest ever number of new coronavirus infections, as the disease continues to sweep the country.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University, 65,551 new cases were recorded on Thursday, the highest single day tally yet recorded.

The previous daily record for new cases was set only two days earlier on Tuesday, when 60,200 new cases were recorded.

Covid-19: Not enough studies in Africa - scientist leading SA's first vaccine trial

The prominent scientist leading South Africa's first Covid-19 vaccine trial, Professor Shabir Madhi, says there should rather be a discussion on the fact that not enough studies are being done in Africa, instead of criticism about "possibly using Africans as guinea pigs".

The Professor of Vaccinology at Wits University, who is the director of the South Africa Medical Research Council Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, is leading South Africa's first Covid-19 vaccine trial.

Two thousand participants are to be enrolled as part of the trial, which aims to find the vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is the virus that causes Covid-19.

'Cheap politicking': Mkhize slams the DA for Eastern Cape medical scooters criticism

With guns blazing, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has hit back at the DA's criticism of the Eastern Cape's controversial medical scooters which, according to Mkhize, were never intended to replace ambulances. 

Mkhize's response to DA MP Siviwe Gwarube's written parliamentary question, revealed that the scooter project that the Eastern Cape health department launched, did not meet the basic criteria for patient transport as an ambulance. 

Seven staff members close to Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina have tested positive for Covid-19, the mayor's office announced via a press release on Friday.

The seven confirmed cases include the following senior officials:

- A member of the mayoral committee;

- The Head of Department and

- The spokesperson to the mayor.

Masina’s results returned negative, his office announced.

"As a precautionary measure, the office of the executive mayor will be closed for decontamination and deep cleaning," the statement read.

Masina will be attending to all council business via virtual meeting platforms until further notice.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura has tested positive for Covid-19

Statement from Premier David Makhura:

''On Wednesday 08 July 2020, I experienced some mild symptoms. On Thursday 09 July 2020, I decided to self-quarantine and test for Covid-19 as a precautionary measure.

Today, Friday 10 July 2020, I received my test results confirming that I have tested positive for Covid-19. I am now in self-isolation, in line with the WHO protocols and will work from home over the next 14 days whilst monitoring my health.  

Given the fact that I only have mild symptoms, I will continue to ensure that the Provincial Executive Council and Provincial Coronavirus Command Council respond adequately to weather the storm of the pandemic in order to save more lives.''

WATCH | Grade 11 pupils who donated matric dance funds to the needy spark charity outreach at school

Grade 11 pupils at Rondebosch Boys' High raised R 11 000 for their matric dance during an event earlier this year, but instead donated the money to those in need due to Covid-19.

A 'switch in timing': Doctors' groups defend plea for financial help as patient numbers plunge

Doctors warn that many private practices may be forced to close down, which will impact patients' access to care during the pandemic and afterwards.

This is as patients opt not to visit doctors for non-emergency care during the outbreak. Ophthalmologists have been the hardest hit, with a 90% decline in patient numbers.

Doctors have proposed a payment plan to medical aids, which they say is not a bailout.

The politics of school reopening: Opposition parties and ANC formations join ranks

The decision to reopen schools amid the increasing spread of the coronavirus has become political fodder.

While some political parties have called the plan murderous, even ANC formations have criticised Education Minister Angie Motshekga's plan.

Political analyst Somadoda Fikeni said politicians want the advantage of saying "I told you so" to government.