The Covid-19 death toll has hit 4 669, while the number of cases now sits at 324 221.

The total number of recoveries is now 165 591 - a recovery rate of 51%.

Here are today’s top stories

Restaurant workers are getting ready to block roads next week in protest of the tight lockdown restrictions which has had a damaging impact on that sector. The Restaurants Association of South Africa has sent a letter to police informing them of the protest - which itself, being a large gathering of people, would be against lockdown regulations.

Meanwhile, a social media campaign is featuring photos of how many jobs have been lost at restaurants. A combination of lockdowns, the alcohol ban and a new nighttime curfew has even seen some restaurants shut up shop.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated already existing extreme social inequalities and poverty, a study has said. As the news that some three million South Africans have lost their jobs during the pandemic, the study says the loss of income has had a serious impact on people’s ability to feed themselves and their children.

Three senior clinicians at the University of Witwatersrand have joined vaccine trial efforts as participants. The trial is expected to enroll about 2 000 participants. It aims to find a vaccine to prevent Covid-19. The trial is being done in association with Oxford University.

The pandemic has had a serious effect on a Johannesburg school which is having its finances seriously stretched because of uncertainties and the impact of Covid-19, and parents not paying school fees as a result. Staff at Highlands North Boys’ School are suffering low morale and fear for their jobs.

Looking abroad, the UK has accused Russia of backing a hacker group to steal vaccine and treatment research from academic and pharmaceutical institutions around the world. The hacker group, known as Cozy Bear, has also been speculated to have been involved in the hacking of the US’ Democratic Party in the 2016 election race.

Stay informed with News24

Special report | We remember those who died of Covid-19.
Lockdown latest | No booze, new curfew - Here are the latest changes made by government
Back to school | Should you let your little one back to preschool before the pandemic is over?
Stay safe | Advice for keeping safe in supermarkets, schools and on public transport
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms
Rolling coverage | All the latest Covid-19 news in one place

- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay

Coronavirus deaths in Gauteng: 55% are male, majority aged 60-69

As of 10 July, males made up 55% of deaths in Gauteng, and the majority were aged between 60 and 69.

Statistics of the deaths: age and gender breakdown show that out of the 515 deaths recorded by the department of health, 284 (55%) were male and 231 (45%) were female.

Of the total deaths, the highest number (121 or 23.3%) came from the 60-69 age group - of which 73 were male and 48 were female.

Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula on Thursday announced additional measures public transport operators will take with the new 70% and 100% load capacity for long and short distance traveling, respectively.

He also clarified that "long distance travel refers to any trip that is 200km or longer".

"Following extensive consultation stakeholders, we noted the need to increase on the loading capacity within the public transport sphere. We further noted the need to tighten the mitigation measures linked to the increase in the loading capacity.

"Consultations with health experts was undertaken and their additional recommendations in the face of the increased loading capacity were duly considered and accepted," said Mbalula.

He also announced that East London, George and Kimberly airports would resume operations on 21 July.

- See additional measures below:  

The introduction of the additional measures to curb the spread of the virus in a 100% loaded public transport vehicle includes the following:

• Any marshal or security officer who interacts with members of the public in a public transport facility must wear a cloth face mask or a homemade item or another appropriate item that covers nose and mouth and together with face shield.

• Passengers in public transport vehicles are obliged to wear a cloth face mask or a homemade item or another appropriate item that covers nose and mouth throughout the journey.

• No person or passenger will be allowed to use any form of public transport or enter a building, place or premises if they do not wear a cloth face mask or a homemade item or another appropriate item that covers nose and mouth.

• All public transport operators must put measures in place to adhere to physical distancing to curb the spread of the virus.

The introduction of the additional measures to curb the spread of the virus in a 100% loaded public transport vehicle includes the following:  

• All operators must ensure that public transport vehicles are sanitised before picking up and after dropping off passengers.

• All public transport vehicles windows must be kept 5cm open on both sides.

• All public transport vehicles must be fitted with window jammers or blockers in order to keep the windows 5cm open.

• Operators must ensure that all public transport vehicle doors, window handles, arm rests and hand-rails are sanitised after every load. 

• Passengers must be encouraged to sanitise after they enter the vehicle and after getting off the vehicle.

Covid-19: First antibody test gets green light in SA, but use will be limited

The first Covid-19 antibody rapid blood test kit has been approved for use in South Africa, but it is strictly not for sale to the public or for use by general practitioners.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has given the nod for the supply of a single finger prick (point of care) serology test. In addition, approval of the first laboratory-based Covid-19 antibody test in the country is also imminent. 

Restaurant workers will be blocking roads next week in protest over lockdown rules

Restaurants, take-aways and coffee shops across the country will take to the streets next week to draw attention to the devastating effects of lockdown regulations on the industry.

Business Insider has seen a letter sent by the Restaurant Association of South Africa (Rasa) to the South African Police Service informing them of the protest.

WATCH | Covid-19 evictions: 'We're humans, not pigs'

When a naked Bulelani Qolani was dragged out of his Khayelitsha shack in June, it wasn't the first eviction residents like him experienced — and it won't be the last.

But where must residents go? 

The City has appointed law firm Fairbridges Wertheim Becker Attorneys to investigate the incident.

Covid-19 wrap: Global death toll passes 583 000, as US sets record of more than 67 000 new cases

The United States posted a new daily record of 67 632 new coronavirus cases in the previous 24 hours on Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University, which tracks the spread of the disease.

The global leader in infections has seen a surge in the virus since late June, mostly in the south and west of the country.

Three senior Wits University clinicians join SA's Covid-19 vaccine trial as participants

The dean of the faculty of Health Sciences at Wits, Professor Martin Veller, nephrologist and research director at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre Dr June Fabian and leading HIV clinician Professor Francois Venter, divisional director of Ezintsha at Wits University, were vaccinated on Tuesday in Soweto after they were screened and found to be eligible.

Helen Joseph Hospital saw more than 700 trauma cases in June, 481 of those were assaults

Statistics show that the Helen Joseph Hospital in Westdene, Johannesburg, saw 767 cases in its trauma unit in June, with 481 of those linked to assaults alone.

The month of June marked South Africa moving to alert Level 3 of the risk-adjusted lockdown strategy, which included the easing of restrictions such as the sale of alcohol and a dropping of the night-time curfew.

Heartbreaking photos reveal the jobs massacre at SA's top restaurants

Many SA restaurants are on their knees as a new curfew and the continuing restriction on alcohol with meals add to their woes.

A new social media campaign features photos of how many jobs have been lost, or are at risk, at some of the country’s top restaurants.

Many prominent establishments have been forced to close their doors.

Millions have lost their jobs during the lockdown, impacting social welfare and food poverty

A new study has revealed three million South Africans lost their job during the lockdown, with women accounting for two million of those.

Martin Kingston of Business for South Africa said had the country implemented reforms to correct inequalities, less people would be made vulnerable by the pandemic.

This is a global trend, with the UN saying women would be most impacted by the pandemic and 81% of the global workforce impacted.

Coronavirus morning update: Latest on schools, and hard-hitting trauma numbers

The reopening of schools is under discussion, the president says; and according to a report, the Western Cape's daily trauma cases went up 62% when the alcohol ban was lifted.

The Covid-19 death toll has hit 4 453, while the number of cases now sits at 311 049.

The total number of recoveries is now 160 693 - a recovery rate of 51.7%.

Here are today’s top stories

Amid the furore surrounding schools reopening, the Department of Education has come out to say schools will remain open until further notice. The department will, however, continue to engage with stakeholders in the sector. There has been severe pressure on the department from teachers’ unions and other organisations to close schools.

The coronavirus pandemic has created a jobs bloodbath, with a study showing employment figures being cut by three million. Women accounted for as many as two million jobs lost. The study said employment levels fell by 18% between February and April.

South Africa is now recording the highest number of cases per day than any other country - but our death rate is much lower. Our reporter Kyle Cowan crunched the numbers and examined the data on a global scale.

Zindzi Mandela tested positive for Covid-19 at the time of her death, her family has said. The activist, and youngest daughter of Nelson Mandela, died this week. The family is, however, awaiting results of a post mortem.

The tobacco war rages on, with the state now arguing that the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association had only reignited its challenge of the tobacco ban because of financial interests rather than the safety of the public. The association is applying for leave to appeal a previous court ruling that kept the ban enforced.

Scientists have attempted to determine what triggered the huge surge in Covid-19 cases in Cape Town over the past few months. One reason could have been that there were several people travelling into Cape Town who carried the virus.

Stay informed with News24

Special report | We remember those who died of Covid-19.
Lockdown latest | No booze, new curfew - Here are the latest changes made by government
Back to school | Should you let your little one back to preschool before the pandemic is over?
Stay safe | Advice for keeping safe in supermarkets, schools and on public transport
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms
Rolling coverage | All the latest Covid-19 news in one place

- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay

Venezuela's health system 'overwhelmed', Canada nears zero deaths - International Covid-19 news

Covid-19 has killed four Kenyan health workers and infected 450, the health ministry said on Wednesday, as word emerged of a slew of cases in Kenya's biggest maternity hospital. The virus is taking its toll on the country's medical workers.

Coronavirus cases in Venezuela have jumped in recent weeks and two top lieutenants of President Nicolas Maduro have tested positive, triggering warnings from health workers that the pandemic may overwhelm the country's already battered healthcare system.

And, Canada's efforts to flatten the curve of coronavirus cases have put the country on the cusp of zero deaths from Covid-19 for the first time since March, but officials see worrying signs of a new spike as provinces lift restrictions.

Meanwhile, the latest modeling projects the number of Covid-19 deaths in the US to increase further, even as one research team suggests the near-universal use of masks could save 40 000 lives between now and November.

And finally, Disneyland Paris welcomed back visitors on Wednesday after a four-month closure due to the coronavirus outbreak, with face masks and social distancing the order of the day.

Pictured: People visit Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallee, near Paris, France, during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Chesnot/Getty Images)

Ramaphosa has wrapped up the imbizo

One caller asks how clinics in rural areas could be able to operate for 24 hours instead of having set operating times

Ramaphosa says this matter will be discussed among government. He likens it to police stations being open 24 hours for people's safety - and clinics should probably be the same. 

Another caller asks under what circumstance would the government consider stopping basic and higher education for the year

The President says the approach is not to first see how many lives have been lost before making such a decision. He reiterates that the government is going to listen to all key roleplayers for the reopening of schools. 

One questioner asks whether the UIF relief fund can assist freelancers or part-time workers

Ramaphosa says he will raise this issue with government to see how this situation can be addressed.

Another question asks why the government is allowing taxis to operate at full capacity where there would be no physical distancing

He says that this is only for short trips, and that there needs to be hygiene protocols observed and windows must be opened for ventilation. 

A Grade 12 pupil asks whether the government will consider stopping all grades except matriculants.

Ramaphosa says the government held extensive engagements with education stakeholders. He says, while focussing only on Grade 12s may assist with physical distancing and the like, the government still needs to look at solutions to get schooling going. He says the government will hear out all stakeholders and make a decision over the coming days. 

A caller asks whether provinces will differ when it comes to lockdown levels that are implemented going forward, and when we will move to the next level. A similar question was put to Ramaphosa on social media

Ramaphosa says the entire country seems to be a hotspot as a whole, despite the varying numbers of infections per province. He says infections are "doubling" in some provinces, and that the country is seeing a rise in infections across the country. "So we've got to approach every province with the greatest care."

A question on social media asks what the reason was for the hard lockdown back in March

He explains that infections were rising at a fast rate, and that the country needed to nip the spread in the bud. This was the same in other countries. He says our rate of infection remains lower than other countries. 

A caller asks about the govt's response to farm murders

Ramaphosa says the various forms of violence in the country is deeply concerning

Another asks about people not being able to visit loved ones and yet people are allowed to travel on public transport

Ramaphosa says people who travel on public transport either for work, buying essentials, or seek medical care. He says casual visiting is what has been seen to spread the virus. He also says taxis need to take strict hygiene precautions when it comes to their operations.

A caller asks about govt's interventions with curbing gender-based violence during the lockdown 

Ramaphosa says he has raised the issue of gender-based violence a few weeks ago in a national address, where he called it a "second pandemic". He says the government came up with a national strategic plan, which is being implemented. It deals with law enforcement's response to gender-based violence, as well as how courts handle such cases. He also called on the men of the country to take responsibility and respect women. 

Another caller asks about opening of schools, asking how schools can be open if social gatherings of more than 50 people aren't allowed 

Ramaphosa says, while there shouldn't be gatherings of 50 people, a classroom or school campus is not seen as a gathering per se. He says schools have been taking precautions to ensure good hygiene and physical distancing. 

A woman calls from an old age home, asking for the cigarette ban to be lifted

Ramaphosa says the tobacco ban is a "complex issue" which expert advice suggested it would negatively impact people's health. He reminds the public that it is not a ban, but just a suspension. 

Ramaphosa is asked about relief for businesses in the agricultural and rural sectors...

He says the government's intention is to "leave on one behind" in its economic recovery plan - particularly in townships in rural areas, which are areas which have historically been left out of economic upliftment. 

He brings up the government's earlier assistance for spaza shops during the lockdown, which allowed tens of thousands of spaza shops to be formally registered as businesses and government has had a chance to assess their challenges. 

Ramaphosa says the government will try to focus on the rural economy, both from an agricultural side and an infrastructure side.
Ramaphosa talks about food security

A caller asks about job losses during the lockdown...

Ramaphosa says one of the main challenges the pandemic has brought was the impact on jobs. He reminds the public that the UIF set aside money for relief, the government set up a fund for businesses and there is a loan scheme. 

He acknowledges that businesses will close, saying that the government is working on a "massive" job protection project. This was part of government's initial relief plan. 

"We are not going to ignore those people who've lost jobs," the President says. "We are committed to focussing our efforts on an economic recovery."

Addressing the alcohol issue, Ramaphosa says experts advised the government that hospital beds were being used for trauma-related incidents that are "alcohol-induced". The decision was therefore taken to suspend - not ban - alcohol, he says. 

On the reopening of schools, he says it is a matter of great debate and that the World Health Organisation recommends schools should close if Covid-19 cases were rising in a country. He says the matter is under discussion. 

He reminds the public that the main defender against the virus is changing personal behaviour through wearing masks, practicing good hygiene and physical distancing and refraining from unnecessary social interaction. 

Ramaphosa is about to take questions. You can ask Ramaphosa a question by calling 078 799 4480, or tweet your question using the hashtag #PresidentialImbizo

Ramaphosa's imbizo begins...

He says this kind of engagement allows the government to hear from the public on the pandemic.

Ramaphosa says "it's almost as if the whole country has become like a hotspot" at this point, reiterating that the pandemic is dangerous and is claiming lives. 

"We started off by doing the lockdown. We did ours quite early, and... it exerted a lot of pressure on our people, but it was necessary, because if we hadn't the spate of infections would have been a lot higher." 

He says the lockdown allowed the government to prepare health facilities to meet the increased number of patients. "Our health system was challenged even before Covid-19, but we've increased the capacity of beds and ICU units... we are improving as we are going on."

Ramaphosa says the country's recovery rate of 49% was reassuring. He says another major challenge was that healthcare workers were getting infected with the virus. 

While we await Ramaphosa’s imbizo…

Here is a recap of the latest changes to lockdown regulations. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday made the surprise announcement that the alcohol ban would return. This was on the basis that misbehaviour apparently fuelled by alcohol was putting unnecessary strain on hospital trauma units.

 Parliament heard today that the alcohol ban could enable the treatment of as many as 18 000 Covid-19 patients because medical staff will be freed up from attending to the influx of trauma patients.

The President had also called out South Africans who failed to adhere to safety measures like wearing masks, practicing physical distancing and refraining from social gatherings.

Ramaphosa also announced a reintroduction of a nighttime curfew of between 21:00 and 04:00.

The government is also allowing taxis to operate with 100% capacity so long as windows remain open - a move that has drawn criticism from experts.

You can ask Ramaphosa a question by calling 078 799 4480, or tweet your question using the hashtag #PresidentialImbizo

Booze sales ban could save SA R1.3bn, enable treatment of up to 18 000 Covid-19 patients - Parliament hears

Professor Charles Parry of the South African Medical Research Council's (SAMRC) Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Research Unit briefed the Portfolio Committee on Health on the impact of alcohol on South Africa's health services.

The presentation was generally well-received by the committee, who appears to have an appetite for establishing a "new normal" post-pandemic with regards to restricted alcohol consumption.

Tobacco group wanting to challenge cigarette ban again is only in it for the money, says state

On Wednesday, the Pretoria High court heard an application by the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association for leave to appeal a previous ruling that kept the ban in place.

The virtual hearing was held via Zoom.

"The application is primarily aimed at protecting the financial interests, of the applicants members to ensure that they are allowed to in cigarettes and tobacco products," said advocate Marumo Moreane SC, for the state, in Wednesday.  

President Cyril Ramaphosa will interact with communities across the nation through a virtual presidential imbizo on Covid-19 on Wednesday evening, the presidency has announced.

The engagement is scheduled to start at 18:00.

This is the second virtual presidential imbizo on the pandemic.

The presidential imbizo is a public-participation platform where communities are able to interact directly with government on challenges in society and where citizens are able to engage on community-generated solutions to such challenges.

Due to the pandemic will take the form of a virtual engagement in which communities are invited to participate through community radio stations, TV channels and social media. 

Members of the public can submit their questions to President Ramaphosa through the following:

- Call line: 078 799 4480

- Social media using #PresidentialImbizo

RUNDOWN | Conviction for not wearing a mask will result in criminal record - Justice Minister

With government ministers ramping up the recently gazetted regulation that wearing an "appropriate item that covers the nose and mouth" in a public place is mandatory, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola on Wednesday explained the charge and sanction for being in contravention of this regulation.

Lamola, with government colleagues from the justice, crime prevention and security cluster, addressed the media on amended lockdown regulations. 

The latest regulations - gazetted on Sunday after President Cyril Ramaphosa's addressed the nation - made it clear that the wearing of a cloth face mask, a home made item or another appropriate item that covers the nose and mouth, is mandatory for every person when in a public space.

What's more, building and store owners, as well as all employers and school principals will face six months and/or fines if they allow mask-free people on their premises. Taxi operators will face the same penalties if they don't enforce mask-wearing.

Said Lamola: "The crime is that you will be in contravention of the regulations in terms of the Disaster Management Act."

A fine or imprisonment of up to six months would be the sanction.

He said chief magistrate's across the country are seized with guidelines on merits and circumstances which would determine a fine or imprisonment.

"You will get a criminal record, even if you are not sentenced to imprisonment," Lamola said.

However, he was quick to remind the public that, given that people are most likely to be visiting businesses and traveling in public transport, "the responsibility is on the compliance officers, taxi drivers and operators or anyone in control of a building where people can gather, to ensure that people wear masks".

If that person fails to ensure compliance, they will be prosecuted, Lamola explained.

"There will be no mass prosecution of people," he clarified.

At the same briefing, Police Minister Bheki Cele said police would increase their roadblocks and introduce random stop and searches. 

He announced that the South African Police Service has 7 021 confirmed cases with over 2 000 recoveries and 53 deaths.

The Western Cape, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are the most affected provinces, said Cele.  

Covid-19 cuts SA employment figures by three million, women worst affected – study

Approximately three million people in South Africa lost their jobs between February and April as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the results of a new study.

Women accounted for two million jobs lost.

The National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (CRAM), which assesses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on employment and welfare of a representative sample of 7 000 South Africans, was released on Wednesday. 

'Schools remain open until further notice', says education dept as sector meetings announced

As pressure mounts for schools to close amid a surge in Covid-19 infections in South Africa, the Department of Basic Education says they remain open until further notice, as Minister Angie Motshekga engages with stakeholders in the sector.

Trump fuels, then downplays, tensions with virus expert Fauci

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he has a "very good" working relationship with America's top infectious disease specialist, despite repeatedly undercutting the respected scientist amid the coronavirus pandemic.

For several days Trump has hurled criticism at Anthony Fauci, a senior member of his coronavirus taskforce, who has warned - sometimes in blunt language - that US officials and citizens have not done enough to fight the pandemic.

SA comparatively recording new Covid-19 cases at highest global rate – but mortality remains among the lowest

South Africa is now recording new coronavirus cases every day at a rate higher than any other country in the world when reported Covid-19 infections are compared by population size.

On average for the week of 6 to 13 July, the country recorded 19.6 cases per 100 000 people – a growth rate higher than every other country in the world currently.

Scientists found who may have triggered the coronavirus crisis in Cape Town

The scientists from Durban and Stellenbosch studied the genetic fingerprints of viruses isolated from 46 Cape Town patients diagnosed early in the epidemic. Within that sample, about 10% of the total cases at the time, they could prove at least nine separate importations, most of them from Europe.

Covid-19: Cape Town cop, 38, dies alone during self-isolation

Sergeant Chriszelda Coetzee, 38, died alone in her flat in Cape Town at the weekend.

She had self-isolated after testing positive for Covid-19.

Q&A: State patients in private hospitals: What’s the deal?

Government hospitals are likely to run out of beds before the end of July. The health department has negotiated agreements with the private healthcare sector for additional beds at set prices. But how does this work in practise? We’ve asked Nicholas Crisp, one of the health department’s chief negotiators.