Scientists plead for Covid-19 transparency: 'The social contract with government is broken'

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize should make the details of more than 70 advisories drafted for the government by the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Covid-19 public because there is no reason not to do so.

Mkhize doubles down on keeping advice secret as scientists push for transparency

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize will not be releasing any of the more than 70 medical advisories drafted by the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Covid-19, despite calls from senior scientific advisors that it can only enhance public understanding of the pandemic.

ANALYSIS | When it comes to accountability, it doesn’t matter if it's Zuma or Ramaphosa

The government has issued a raft of regulations in the more than four months since Covid-19 made landfall in South Africa. But President Cyril Ramaphosa has not called a single press conference or once invited journalists to question his decisions or examine the government's reasoning. It leaves democracy weaker, argues Pieter du Toit.

Coronavirus morning update: Attempt to steal PPE leads to shootout, and Cosas firm on schools stance

An attempt to steal PPE leads to deadly shootout, and Cosas will not back down on the call to shut down schools.

The World Health Organization reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Saturday, with the total rising by 259 848 in 24 hours.

The biggest increases were from the United States, Brazil, India and South Africa, according to a daily report. 

The previous WHO record for new cases was 237 743 on Friday.

Deaths rose by 7 360, the biggest one-day increase since May. 10.

As of today, a cumulative total of 350 879 confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa have been recorded with 13 285 new cases identified.

144 new Covid-19 related deaths brings the cumulative number of deaths to 4948.

The number of recoveries currently stands at 182 230, which translates to a recovery rate of 52%

Covid-19: Many adults going hungry for the sake of their children, new data shows

Hunger has increased across the board under South Africa’s Covid-19 lockdown – and new evidence indicates that parents, especially mothers, are giving their food to their kids.

Everyday Heroes | Meet the South Africans who go the extra mile during Covid-19

As the world continues to battle Covid-19, South Africans have once again shown resilience, leadership, compassion, creativity and vision in the face of great adversity.

Many have stepped up to help their own communities and others in need. Some, like Jane Johns from Cape Town, ran marathons in their gardens to raise money to feed the needy.

Others, like 27-year-old Moeletji Mphahlele used their businesses to collect and donate masks and food.

These South Africans are our everyday heroes, and today, on Mandela Day, we are celebrating them.

Q&A with Cosas: Some ANC leaders want schools open 'for their own business arrangements'

Some may be arguing for and against the closure of the country's schools in the face of rapidly increasing Covid-19 infections, but the Congress for South African Students (Cosas) is adamant that a national shutdown is the only way to go.

News24 spoke to Cosas' national spokesperson Douglas Ngobeni about the way forward.

27 of the most creative face masks from around the world

Who says you can't look great while protecting yourself and others?Due to the coronavirus pandemic, face masks have became a part of most people's wardrobes, and some people are having a little fun with it.

Artists, designers, and everyday people have shown their creativity by turning face masks into art projects and expressions of identity.

PODCAST | THE STORY: Schools under pressure as SA's Covid-19 pandemic gains momentum

On this week's episode of The Story, we try to make sense of what lies ahead for South Africa's fraught education system, and the country's schoolchildren, in the midst of an unpredictable pandemic.

Coronavirus morning update: Reduced isolation time for Covid patients, and tavern owners ultimatum

Patients who test positive for Covid-19 will now be isolated for a period of 10 days; and tavern owners give President Ramaphosa an ultimatum over the alcohol sales ban.

The Covid-19 death toll has hit 4 804, while the number of cases now sits at 337 594.

There have been 178 103 recoveries.

Here are today’s top stories

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has announced that the isolation period has dropped from 14 days to 10 days. This after his department considered new information from several from several sources, including the World Health Organisation.

In what is sure to create a stir among the public, the director of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases Lucile Blumberg has said there is no direct evidence linking smoking with severe cases of Covid-19. The sale of tobacco has been banned since the lockdown began back in March, much to the chagrin of smokers and tobacco manufacturers, and the government has had this regulation challenged before the courts.

The economic strain caused by the pandemic continues to be felt, with GroundUp now reporting that children in an area of the Eastern Cape are eating plants for sustainence. Research released earlier this week said about three million jobs have been lost since the pandemic began. 

Introducing #CovidConnect, a new technological innovation that allows you to access vital #COVID19 information, receive test results and advice on how to manage your symptoms. pic.twitter.com/1fMTaJfvcX

— Department of Health: COVID-19 (@COVID_19_ZA) July 17, 2020

Amid the uncertainty and panic surrounding the reopening of schools, a school governing bodies organisation believes there is no need for a shutdown just yet. The Federation of Governing Bodies of SA, one of the stakeholders engaging with the government, says schools should remain open since it is unclear when the Covid-19 peak will end.

 As lockdown regulations around sport begin to ease, eight rugby teams, including the Sharks, Bulls, Stormers and Lions have begun non-contact training. SA Rugby said it is still working to devise a return for the Springboks to play sometime this year.

A Kenyan prison warden has been arrested for allegedly raping a Covid-19 patient in one of the country’s state-run quarantine facilities, according to an internal report seen by Reuters. The incident has highlighted concerns over apparently substandard conditions at some quarantine facilities in the country.

The world’s first e-pilgrimage has been held, as about 80 million people joined in online for a ceremony at France’s Lourdes Roman Catholic shrine. People traditionally make their way to France to light a candle in the sanctuary, where it is believed the Virgin Mary appeared. However, lockdowns across the world meant this was not possible at this point.

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

Answering a question about the revised number of quarantine days, Mkhize says they are implemented with immediate effect. 

He says the new guidelines apply to health workers as well, but they will get tested again on their fifth day of isolation.

Regarding the track and trace system, a questioner asks whether the system has been used in hotspots, Mkhize says the system has been used in communities where track and trace mechanisms needed to be "reinforced" by bringing in community leaders to get residents to understand the approach and comply. He says there was a "degree of reluctance in the Western Cape, especially the metro... but this is a matter of continuous engagement" to find out why this was, he says. 

He says it is important for the department to know patients' addresses to advise them on where to go for quarantine, but also so the government has a sense of where the hotspots are.

The team presenting the Covid Connect system say users' data is "fully protected" by the system, saying no data is shared with anyone apart from certain people within the health department. 

He says manual contact tracing is still ongoing, and the digital system merely supplements it. "It is a whole combination... nothing gets removed or replaced by this platform (the digital system)." 

Mkhize's briefing has ended

Mkhize explains contact tracing system, Covid Connect

The minister says asymptomatic patients present a problem, saying that those patients must remain in isolation for 10 days following a positive test. 

He says the department has considered advice that quarantine periods could be as short as eight days, but this is still under consideration. 

He says it is not necessary for people to get tested after quarantine if they are feeling better, as research has shown that the virus gets weaker. 

Mkhize says the Ministerial Advisory Committee is also looking at assisting health workers when it comes to them contracting Covid-19. 

The minister describes the track and trace process - where those positive with the virus and those who come into contact with people who are positive - are contacted by the health department. 

He says the digital system, Covid Contact, the department is using at the moment is freely accessible via WhatsApp, but it will be available for phones which cannot support WhatsApp.

Users can get their information and advice on whether to self-isolate or their lab results. 

The system also allows the user to take a screening for symptoms on WhatsApp, where the user answers questions and, based on answers, is given advice on what to do.

The system works like this: When a patient tests positive, they are informed via SMS; the patient is given more information to inform their contacts; the system then informs contacts and advises them on what to do; the system can geo-locate the nearest quarantine zone. Users can also get useful tips on the system. 

Lab results get collated by Covid Connect and the results are SMSed to patients. A link in the SMS takes the patient to a web page where they can find their results and share information. The Covid Connect system also offers the patient several resources, like advice on self-monitoring and a page to declare any people they may have come into contact with. 

To use this service, send a WhatsApp message to 0600 123456 for information. If you don't have a smartphone, dial *134*832#.

Mkhize says the pandemic requires all citizens to heed the advice of the contact tracing system and to take it seriously. He says the system does not compromise people's personal information or confidentiality. 

Mkhize begins his briefing...

He announces that the Covid-19 isolation period for quarantine has been reduced from 14 days to 10 days. He says it has been proven that in mild cases the infection is only present for about eight days. 

Mkhize to provide an update at 19:30

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize is set to hold a briefing at 19:30 to discuss government’s new approach to tracking and tracing Covid-19 patients and those they come into contact with, and also to provide an update on the revised guidelines for patients to de-isolate.

The health department previously announced that it planned to use cellphone date to conduct effective contact tracing of those who had come into contact with people who’ve tested positive for Covid-19.

However, on the department subsequently told Western Cape MPLs that the plan proved unfeasible due to technical problems and privacy concerns.

The goal of the system would have been to determine the location and movement of people who tested positive, as well as how many people had been in close contact with them.

But based on the technology available in South Africa and the volumes of cases expected, it would have taken days for the department to get that information, MPLs were told.

Mkhize’s briefing will be broadcast live on News24.

SA's coronavirus cash is in safe hands, Solidarity Fund head promises

Interim CEO of the Solidarity Fund, Nomkhita Nqweni, has assured that the fund would observe the highest level of standard as it disperses its fund to fight Covid-19.

Nqweni added there is also a structure of governance within the fund, including the board and sub-committees who look at the audit.

These structures, she added, look at what is dispersed and decisions made.

Hospersa calls 100% taxi capacity a 'death nail' to Covid-19 fight

The The Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) has slammed government’s "reckless" decision to allow 100% taxi loading capacity.

"Hospersa condemns this reckless decision which has all but killed our fighting chance against Covid-19," said Hospersa general secretary Noel Desfontaines in a statement.

"This decision will increase the risk of transmission among the many health workers who use public transport to commute to work and thereby putting the health sector on the brink of collapse as more staff members will need to self-quarantine" added Desfontaines.

On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that taxi operators will now be allowed to operate at 100% capacity for short distances and 70% capacity for long distance travel.

What's more, taxi drivers must allow ventilation by opening windows and must ensure passengers wear masks.

Hospersa has slammed this decision calling it reckless and has jeopardised the country’s fight against Covid-19.

"Giving the green light to taxi operators to load full capacity is all but a death nail to this fight against this deadly virus and for those that make use of this form of public transport."  

Covid-19 in the Western Cape: Numbers 'stable' for the past 10 days, says health dept

Covid-19 numbers in the Western Cape are said to have been "stable" for the past 10 days, the health department has said, but it will still prepare for any eventuality with regards to the long-term trajectory.

The Western Cape currently has the second highest number of infections in the country at 82 986, or 25.6% of the national total.

Covid-19: What the science says on some of the treatments that have been tried, but not worked

As Covid-19 progresses, researchers are seeing which drugs work as treatments. What is the reason why these two potential agents were not successful?

Keep schools open because 'nobody knows when peak will end', says Fedsas amid Covid-19 uncertainty

While consultations continue between the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and stakeholders regarding whether schools should close or remain open during the Covid-19 peak, the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (Fedsas) is of the view there is no need for a shutdown.

'No direct evidence' linking smoking with 'severe' Covid-19, but not a good idea, says NICD director

There is no direct evidence that links smoking with severe Covid-19 cases. However, given tobacco's impact on the lungs, this could be possible, according to Professor Lucille Blumberg, deputy director of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).

Defence Minister Mapisa-Nqakula and her husband recover from Covid-19

Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and her husband Charles, who is the national security advisor to the President, recently tested positive for Covid-19, but have recovered.

Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu on Friday said the pair were still in self-isolation and had been working from home.

"We are glad that all their symptoms have cleared and we are looking forward to them finishing their 14 days of mandatory self-quarantine period," he said.

Covid-19 wrap: 588 753 global deaths, India passes 1m infections and Sweden tops EU for new cases

The capital of China's far-western Xinjiang region curtailed most flights into the city on Friday and has shut down subway and public bus services after several coronavirus infections were detected, government authorities and state-controlled media said. 

New Chicken Licken ad pays tribute to the ‘soul’ of Mzansi during Covid-19

Chicken Licken’s latest ad pays tribute to the resilience of everyday South Africans, as they weather the country’s unprecedented lockdown to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.

True to the fast-food chicken chain’s moniker, the ad looks at how the nation’s "soul" has kept it going during a very challenging time.

OPINION | Covid-19 crisis: The choice is to oppose or resist

Ina Gouws argues that while some opposition parties are pushing back against irrational regulations, there needs to be unity among them to be successful.

There is no such effort at this time and it is because the opposition is not united in its criticism, even though they came together at the start of the lockdown in support of the government's initial efforts to prepare for the pandemic. 

Netherlands flies in over 130 000 vials of Covid-19 solution to help SA ramp up testing

The Glucose-Lactalbumin-Yeast, a virus transportation medium for human samples used in testing and diagnosing the coronavirus, arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday aboard a cargo flight from Amsterdam.

South Africans far more worried about contracting Covid-19 than losing their rights - survey

A study focusing on the social impact of the lockdown and the Covid-19 pandemic has found that South Africans are far more concerned about contracting the virus than losing their constitutional rights.

The United States shattered its daily record for coronavirus infections on Thursday, reporting more than 77,000 new cases as the number of deaths in a 24-hour period rose by nearly 1,000, according to a Reuters tally.

The loss of 969 lives was the biggest increase since June 10, with Florida, South Carolina and Texas all reporting their biggest one-day spikes on Thursday.

More than 138,000 Americans have died from Covid-19, a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers and an alarming rise in hospitalisations in many states.

Coronavirus morning update: Masks explained, and latest from Western Cape, KZN

The situation with masks explained; concerns grow as cases grow in KZN hotspots; and "too early to say the worst is over" in the Western Cape.

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.