Almost 40 countries report record single-day Covid-19 increases

Almost 40 countries have reported record single-day increases in coronavirus infections over the past week, around double the number that did so the previous week, according to a Reuters tally showing a pick-up in the pandemic in every region of the world.

If a fire breaks out in a school or a movie theatre, everyone knows what to do: head for the exits.The exit plan for this pandemic, on the other hand, is uncharted territory.

What's certain is that a vaccine is crucial. That's why scientists and governments are working at unprecedented speeds to create one. Since the start of the outbreak, top health officials have said it'll take about 12-18 months for a vaccine to be ready.

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has said he's "optimistic" that we'll have at least one vaccine ready by the end of this year or the start of 2021.

Don't hold your breath for a coronavirus vaccine. Here are 7 big challenges we need to overcome | @BISouthAfrica https://t.co/5BOZOziynp pic.twitter.com/L4vAwZRx4z

— News24 (@News24) July 25, 2020

Hong Kong reported 133 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, including 126 that were locally transmitted, a record for a daily increase, as authorities warned that the city faces a critical period in containing the virus.

The Asian financial hub reported 123 new cases on Friday, after it extended strict social distancing measures this week.

Reuters

Insurer to pay relief to SA clients hit by lockdown

Hollard Insurance said it will provide relief to small and medium businesses hit financially by the lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

More than 15.8 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 638,271? have died from Covid-19, according to a Reuters tally. Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019. 

Reuters

South Korea reported a surge in new coronavirus infections on Saturday, recording its highest figure in nearly four months with dozens of imported cases.

The country added 113 new cases, including 86 among people who arrived from overseas, bringing the total to 14 092, according to the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

It was the second highest figure since 31 March, when the country reported 125 new cases. It was also the first time it has seen more than 100 cases since 1 April.

All overseas arrivals are required to undergo a two-week quarantine.South Korea endured one of the worst early outbreaks outside China but brought it broadly under control with an extensive "trace, test and treat" programme while never imposing a compulsory lockdown that was put in place in much of Europe and around the world.

The country has been seen as a model on how to combat the pandemic with the public largely following safety health measures such as wearing face masks.

The rise in cases comes with the country planning to let limited numbers of baseball fans back into stadiums on Sunday as authorities seek to restore normality after the coronavirus crisis.

AFP

Tighter mask rules, more tests as WHO warns of Europe virus spike

The World Health Organisation expressed concern on Friday over a coronavirus resurgence in Europe as Britain joined France, Germany and Austria in announcing tighter mask rules and greater testing.

OPINION | Does the data support the alcohol ban?

Restricted mobility during the Level 5 lockdown is what led to fewer cases in hospitals, not the alcohol ban, argues Marjana Martinic.

Coronavirus morning update: Disappointment over schools move, and latest on cigarettes court bid

Government is listening to unions over scientists - experts say school closures against evidence; and a bid to appeal cigarette ban rejected, but FITA says it's not giving up.

There are 421 996 recorded coronavirus cases in South Africa with an increase of 250 deaths bringing the total fatalities to 6 343.

The number of recoveries currently stands at 245 771 which translates to a recovery rate of 58% Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said on Friday.

---

Here are some of our top stories:

Government is listening to unions over scientists - experts say school closures against evidence

Two of the country's top scientists who serve on the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) have expressed their disappointment at President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement that public schools will close for four weeks during the Covid-19 storm, saying the decision goes against scientific advice and evidence.

This follows Ramaphosa's address to the nation on Thursday night in which he announced public schools would shut down for four weeks, while Grade 12 pupils would take a one-week break.

Covid-19 in the Eastern Cape: Treasury shoots down plan to build 1 000-bed field hospital

The Eastern Cape government's plan to use some of the Buffalo City metro's R340 million housing budget to build a 1 000-bed field hospital in East London has been shot down by National Treasury.

On Friday, Treasury and the national Department of Human Settlements - the administrators of the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) - confirmed the request from the city was declined.

Dogs are being trained to find the coronavirus by smelling people in public spaces

From France to the United Kingdom to Chile, police and cognitive-behavioural researchers are racing to see if dogs can smell people infected with the coronavirus in crowded public spaces.

"It seems that the same sort of process that occurs in cancer detection dogs, or bomb detection dogs, or any other type of detecting dog may apply here too," Dr. Brian Hare, author of "Survival of the Friendliest" and professor of Evolutionary Anthropology, and Psychology, and Neuroscience at Duke University, told Insider.

Close to 2 million people fed but demand outstrips capacity to meet need - Gauteng govt

The Gauteng provincial government on Friday said although it had fed nearly two million people, the demand for food outstripped its capacity to meet the need.

"The demand for food far outstrips our capacity to meet the need. We continue to call for more support from business, foundations and civil society initiatives on food relief.

Matric exams may have already been 'compromised', says researcher as schools close again

No one will be able to dictate when the Covid-19 pandemic will reach its peak, and thus planning in fixed time periods may not be effective.

Pupils who have not yet returned to school will also be covered by the school nutrition programme, says the Gauteng education department.

On Thursday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that public schools would close from 27 July to 24 August.

However, the national school nutrition programme would continue operating during the break.

Covid-19 in the Eastern Cape: Treasury shoots down plan to build 1 000-bed field hospital

The Eastern Cape government's plan to use some of the Buffalo City metro's R340 million housing budget to build a 1 000-bed field hospital in East London has been shot down by National Treasury.

On Friday, Treasury and the national Department of Human Settlements - the administrators of the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) - confirmed the request from the city was declined.

Gauteng accounts for 36% of Covid-19 cases in SA, says Masuku

The densely-populated province of Gauteng accounts for 36% of Covid-19 cases in the country, Health MEC Bandile Masuku said on Friday.

"36% of all cases in the country are in Gauteng and 42% of active cases in the country are in Gauteng."Gauteng is an epicentre and we are in the middle of a storm," Masuku explained.

The Health MEC was speaking at a weekly presentation on the Covid-19 response in the province.

High Court rejects bid to appeal cigarette ban, but FITA says it's not giving up

The High Court in Pretoria has rejected an application by the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association for leave to appeal a ruling than upheld a ban on the sale of cigarettes during the current Covid-19 lockdown.

A full bench of the court dismissed the application with costs, stating that the organisation "failed to show that the appeal bears reasonable prospects of success".  

Our doors are 'wide open' for probe into any misuse of Covid-19 funds - Lindiwe Zulu

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has said her department’s doors are "wide open" for authorities to investigate allegations of corruption in the distribution of food parcels and social relief grants.

This followed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s televised announcement on Thursday night that he had signed a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate any form of corruption during or related to the national state of disaster in any government institution.

School closures: 'Disappointed, but not surprised' - Western Cape MEC would have preferred two weeks

Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schäfer has expressed her disappointment after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in Thursday that public schools will be taking a four-week break. 

After the president’s announcement on the closure of public schools for four-weeks - from 27 July until 24 August - there have been a mixed reactions, from teachers' unions to provincial MECs.  

Demand for the leaves of Artemisia afra – also known as lengana, uMhlonyane, African wormwood, and Wilde Als in South Africa – has soared as South Africans seek it to treat Covid-19-like symptoms. 

Artemisia has been used for generations as a traditional cure for flu-related illnesses such as colds, fever, coughs and headaches, including by various South African communities. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also recommended its use in treating "uncomplicated" malaria cases.

Matric exams may have already been 'compromised', says researcher as schools close again

No one will be able to dictate when the Covid-19 pandemic will reach its peak, and thus planning in fixed time periods may not be effective.

Eastern Cape MEC Nomakhosazana Meth tests positive for Covid-19

Eastern Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Nomakhosazana Meth has tested positive for Covid-19, Premier Oscar Mabuyane announced on Friday.

Motshekga welcomes 'school break', calls on communities not to vandalise schools

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of a four-week school closure amid the Covid-19 peak.

PICS | Restaurant industry protest to Parliament met with water cannons and reports of tear gas

On Friday 24 July, the second of two organised peaceful protests, which aimed to take a stand against the current regulations that are creating hardships and damage to the hospitality industry, was met with stun grenades and water canons outside Parliament.

This article was previously published on EatOut.co.za. 

'It's the unions wagging the dog here' - Western Cape opposed to school closures, says Winde

The Western Cape government was considering its legal options to oppose the closure of schools for four weeks, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Premier Alan Winde said on Friday.

Covid-19 wrap | Coronavirus vaccine progress, spike in US, Mexico, cases

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis.

The SA Covid-19 Modelling team | Modelling a pandemic on scarce data and unknowns

A group of modellers recently put out a manifesto specifying "five ways to ensure that models serve society", with specific application to models hoping to serve societies' understanding of the Covid-19 pandemic

Closing schools 'regrettable and unjustifiable', says SA Human Rights Commission

The SA Human Rights Commission said on Thursday that it regarded the government's decision to keep public schools closed for four weeks - except for those in Grades 7 and 12 - as regrettable and unjustifiable.

WATCH | Stun grenades, water cannons used at hospitality industry protest outside Parliament

Stun grenades and water cannons were used to disperse protesters marching to raise awareness about the plight of the hospitality industry outside Parliament on Friday.

EXPLAINER | From schools to corruption: 10 things you need to know about Ramaphosa's address

Public schools will close for four weeks, but those in Grade 12 will take a one-week break and Grade 7 pupils will remain home for two weeks. A new unit will prosecute Covid-19-related corruption.

Here's what else you need to know about President Cyril Ramaphosa's address to the nation on Thursday.

Government is listening to unions over scientists - experts say school closures against evidence

Two top scientists on the Ministerial Advisory Committee have expressed their disappointment at the president's announcement that public schools will close for four weeks.

Yet another family buries the wrong person after Eastern Cape hospital bungle

An East London family found out a week after the funeral of a family member that they had buried a stranger. The bungle was caused by Frere Hospital mortuary workers. This is a second Eastern Cape hospital in the news for such a mistake in less than a month.

Coronavirus morning update: Public schools to shut, and Covid corruption warning

All public schools will close until 24 August, with some some exceptions; and President Cyril Ramaphosa vows to crack down on corruption related to Covid-19 relief funds.

FULL TEXT | What Ramaphosa said about closing schools and clamping down on Covid-19 corruption

Schools will close again for four weeks, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a televised address to the nation on Thursday evening. Here are some of the key takeouts that he announced:

Schools will close from 27 July and reopen on 24 August;

The current academic year will extend beyond 2020;

He has signed a proclamation which enables the Special Investigating Unit to investigate any form of corruption in any government sphere related to Covid-19 relief efforts; and

A special centre has been established to prevent, detect and prosecute corruption related to Covid-19, and nine government institutions will band together to stamp out corruption.

13 104 more coronavirus cases bring the total number of infections to 408 052.

The death rate is now at  6 093 after 153 new deaths have been reported.

The Eastern Cape reported 48 new deaths, 31 from Gauteng, 38 from KwaZulu-Natal, 8 from Northern Cape, 28 from Western Cape.

13 104 more coronavirus cases bring the total number of infections to 408 052.

The death rate is now at  6 093 after 153 new deaths have been reported.

The Eastern Cape reported 48 new deaths, 31 from Gauteng, 38 from KwaZulu-Natal, 8 from Northern Cape, 28 from Western Cape.

WRAP | School’s out: Ramaphosa announces closure for up to four weeks, talks tough on Covid-19 corruption

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that all public schools will "take a break" for the next four weeks.

This will run from 27 July until 24 August. However, Grade 12 pupils and teachers will only take a week-long break and will return on 1 August. Grade 7s will take a two week break, returning on August 10.

The current academic year will be extended beyond 2020, Ramaphosa said, the details of which will be communicated in due course.

He has also said that the government is taking major steps to stamp out acts of corruption related to Covid-19 relief funds and initiatives. Ramaphosa today signed a proclamation for the Special Investigating Unit to investigate any allegation of corruption across all spheres of the state.

School nutrition programmes will continue and parents or pupils will be able to collect meals from schools.

Ramaphosa said the interruption of teaching and learning could harm a generation of pupils. He said the government has had to weigh this up with potential health risks associated with schools reopening.

“There have been calls for schools to close again,” he said, saying that the government has met with more than 60 organisations which are stakeholders in the education sector.

“These consultations have provided important insights… and provided a broad range of important views,” he said, saying it was difficult to find a consensus on how to go about schools reopening.

He said teaching and learning has been continuing under difficult conditions during the lockdown.

Social relief

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said the government has secured funding from multilateral banks and other sources.

About R15 billion of the previously-announced R500 billion package would have been paid out by the end of this month as social relief. So far, R2.2 billion has been paid to people who are unemployed and receive no other relief. More than R70 billion of tax relief has been extended to businesses, Ramaphosa said.

I am still convinced that we will overcome this pandemic.

We will restore our people and country back to health.

The virus will continue to be part of our lives for some time to come.

We have achieved much as a country over the last couple of months.

"Our response as a nation has been remarkable."