The Covid-19 death toll has hit 6 769, while the number of cases now sits at 445 433, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says.

There have been 265 077 recoveries.

Here are today’s top stories

Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe has been discharged from hospital after having been admitted for Covid-19. The minister will self-isolate for another seven days at his home.

A funeral home is preparing for the worst amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which includes using mobile mortuaries. Avbob has bought 11 mobile mortuaries as it prepares for the looming increase in cases across the country.

Are you all virused out? Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has warned against Covid-19 “fatigue”, having noticed people letting their guard down despite the number of cases surging. Mkhize says the department has noticed that people aren’t observing physical distancing or proper hygiene practices.

The ban on the sale of alcohol is now being felt down the value chain. Now glass manufacturers report suffering loss of revenue due to its inability to sell bottles. One company, Consol Glass, says it has lost R3.5 billion in sales during the initial alcohol ban.

Sun International casinos have paid out more than R22.4 million in winnings since being allowed to open during lockdown. The group said it paid out more than R1 million to two jackpot winners, and 142 jackpots of over R50 000.

Looking abroad, North Korea fears it may have registered its first Covid-19 cases after a “runaway” returned to the country. As it awaits results of a Covid-19 test, the country has imposed a lockdown on the border city of Kaesong.

A first-ever drive-thru haunted house is being created in Japan. Guests will play a ghost story from the car's radio while zombies, ghosts, and other creatures spook the riders. The idea came about after similar entertainment forms were shown to be successful during the pandemic.

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Rolling coverage | All the latest Covid-19 news in one place

- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay

Mantashe discharged from hospital

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has been discharged from hospital. 

He was admitted on 20 July after testing positive for Covid-19. 

Although he has been discharged, Mantashe has been advised by his medical team to self-isolate at his home for another seven days. 

Latin America leads global infections, Italian region imposes fine for not wearing masks - International Covid-19 news

Coronavirus cases in Latin America for the first time have surpassed the combined infections in the United States and Canada, a Reuters tally shows, with the region now having 4 327 160 cases - about 26% of all cases globally.

Three businesses in the southern Italian city of Salerno are the first to fall foul of tough new anti-coronavirus regulations imposed by the region of Campania.

Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months.

Taiwan resumed an island-hoping ocean cruise on Sunday, joining a handful of places in the world to restart voyages after the coronavirus pandemic brought the industry to a virtual standstill.

Hurricane Hanna battered the south Texas coast with blistering winds and crashing waves into the early hours of Sunday, leaving a large area already badly hit by Covid-19 bracing for torrential downpours and potential flash floods.

Sun International casinos paid out over R22.4 million in jackpots since reopening after lockdown

Since being allowed to reopen, Sun International says it created two new millionaires and paid out 142 jackpots of over R50,000, totalling a whopping R22.4 million, during the first two weeks of operation. 

“We were quite surprised in the first two weeks when we opened in July, we were probably trading at about 50 to 60% of prior year levels,” said Graham Wood, Sun International’s group COO for Hospitality. 

Like most of South Africa’s hospitality industry, Sun International says it is doing what it can to survive under Lockdown regulations. The reinstated alcohol ban and 9pm curfew has effectively shut down opportunities for restaurants to open and cut casino running time down from 24-hour shifts - casinos open at 09:00 in the morning and close at 20:30. 

Global cases surge past 16.06m with 643 811 deaths, France expands free testing - International Covid-19 news

More than 16.06 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 643 811 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

The United States has recorded 68 212 new coronavirus cases in the previous 24 hours, Johns Hopkins University reported in its real-time tally.

French health authorities are making Covid-19 tests available free of charge without prescription as they closely monitor an uptick in infections after the lifting of lockdown measures.

KwaZulu-Natal may not cope with Covid-19 cases 

With more than 1 557 healthcare workers infected with the Covid-19 coronavirus, the expected peak in KwaZulu-Natal could be disastrous.

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA in the province says it is worried about the root cause of infection among health workers in the private and public spheres.

A few months ago, the union’s spokesperson, Mandla Shabangu, said that more than 86 employees from the Netcare group had been found to be infected with the virus, and stressed the need for management to consistently provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare workers.

"To our surprise, our members were testing positive. We were happy that the hospital closed down to get cleaned, and instituted an investigation to identify the root cause of infections and implement mitigations to curb the spread," said Shabangu.

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 16.06 million, death toll at 643 811 

More than 16.06 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 643 811 have died, 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

North Korea declares emergency after 'runaway' virus defector returns 

Seoul – North Korean authorities have imposed a lockdown on the border city of Kaesong after discovering what they called the country's first suspected case of the novel coronavirus, state media reported on Sunday.

Leader Kim Jong Un convened an emergency politburo meeting on Saturday to implement a "maximum emergency system and issue a top-class alert" to contain the virus, official news agency KCNA said.

If confirmed, it would be the first officially recognised Covid-19 case in the North where medical infrastructure is seen as woefully inadequate for dealing with any epidemic.

KCNA said a defector who had left for the South three years ago returned on 19 July after "illegally crossing" the heavily fortified border dividing the countries.

But there have been no reports in the South of anyone leaving through what is one of the world's most secure borders, replete with minefields and guard posts.

Pyongyang has previously insisted not a single case of the coronavirus had been seen in the North despite the illness having swept the globe, and the country's borders remain closed.

The patient was found in Kaesong City, which borders the South, and "was put under strict quarantine", as would anybody who had come in close contact, state media said.

It was a "dangerous situation... that may lead to a deadly and destructive disaster", the media outlet added.

 - AFP

US marks over 68 000 virus cases in 24 hours - Johns Hopkins 

Washington – The United States on Saturday recorded 68 212 new coronavirus cases in the previous 24 hours, Johns Hopkins University reported in its real-time tally.

That brought the total number of cases in the world's hardest-hit country to 4 174 437, the Baltimore-based university said at 20:30 (00:30 Sunday).

Another 1 067 deaths were reported, bringing the country's total fatalities to 146 391.

After a drop in the rate of infections in late spring, the US has seen a coronavirus surge, particularly in southern and western states like California, Texas, Alabama, and Florida.

For the past 12 days, the number of new cases being reported each day has topped 60 000.

Scientists agree that an increase in death rates follows the spike in infections by three to four weeks. The daily death toll for the past four days has exceeded 1 000.

 - AFP

WATCH | Funeral home's preparation for Covid-19 'worst' includes using mobile mortuaries 

Avbob, a 102–year-old funeral home, has roped in 11 mobile mortuaries in preparation for the unknown - ahead of the Covid-19 peak.

"We are the largest funeral home in South Africa. We are more than 100 years old and, with experience, we have dealt with many pandemics," Gauteng's area manager for Funeral Services Vusi Dladla told News24 on Wednesday.

"For now, there is no sign of panic. What we are currently doing is back up – we are preparing ourselves for the worst. There is no panic at this point in time," he added.

Coronavirus morning update: Western Cape hunger crisis growing, and WHO warns on Europe 

Hunger crisis growing according to a Western Cape report; and the World Health Organisation expressed concern over a coronavirus resurgence in Europe.

The Covid-19 death toll in South Africa has surged by 312, with 209 fatalities recorded in Gauteng.

This is according to the latest figures released by Health Minister Zweli Mhkize, which showed that South Africa's death toll has climbed to 6 655.

"Regrettably we report 312 new Covid-19 related deaths: 44 from Eastern Cape, 209 from Gauteng, 37 from KwaZulu-Natal, 18 from Western Cape and 4 from Northern Cape. This brings the cumulative number of deaths to 6 655."

A cumulative total of 434 200 infections have been recorded, with 12 204 new cases identified.

The total number of tests conducted to date is 2 730 812 with 46 324 new tests conducted since the last report.

The number of recoveries currently stands at 263 054, which translates to a recovery rate of 60.6%.

Have a look at some of our top stories of the day in 7 tweets:

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel has tested positive for Covid-19. | @Adiel_Ismail https://t.co/Mv7PduB1Si

— News24 (@News24) July 25, 2020

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

OPINION | The Western Cape is considering some solutions to ensure the alcohol industry survives the Covid-19 pandemic and is not hit by an unemployment pandemic, writes @alanwinde.https://t.co/dETL5j88bB

— News24 (@News24) July 25, 2020

The temporary closure of clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro in the Eastern Cape whenever a staff member tests positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus has disrupted healthcare services at many clinics and at least two hospitals. | @City_Press https://t.co/ahZOYfHNCy

— News24 (@News24) July 25, 2020

“Some of our members were fortunate to receive UIF TERS for their staff, however, this ended at the end of June. No income means no money to pay staff, so there has been a huge number laid off.” | @WitnessKZN https://t.co/9Ng2nVt5Df

— News24 (@News24) July 25, 2020

England's Tom Banton admitted his love for cricket was "fading slowly" before the coronavirus lockdown after a punishing schedule. | @Sport24news https://t.co/bbX3hKHIRX

— News24 (@News24) July 25, 2020

Professor Shabir Madhi, man leading vaccine trial in SA - considered to be a global front runner - is tired. He has been in trenches alongside his colleagues on the Ministerial Advisory Council guiding the country's war-like effort against coronavirus. https://t.co/BaY6f8yTxI

— News24 (@News24) July 25, 2020

The pandemic has killed more than 639 981 people worldwide since it surfaced in China late last year, with more than 15.8 million people infected, according to an AFP tally at 11:00 GMT on Saturday based on official sources.

The United States has the most deaths with 145 546, followed by Brazil with 85 238, Britain with 45 677, Mexico with 42 645 and Italy with 35 097.

South Korea reports its highest infections figure in nearly four months, adding 113 new cases, including 86 among people who arrived from overseas. And in Vietnam the first locally-transmitted case in nearly 100 days is detected.

Another minister tests positive for Covid-19

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel has tested positive for Covid-19, Cabinet Spokesperson Phumla Williams said in a statement.

Patel received his results on Saturday. This was his second test to be conducted since the outbreak of this virus.

"Minister Patel is in good spirits and is in self-quarantine, and will continue to work from home. Those that have been in contact with the Minister are also in self-isolation and have been encouraged to get tested."

On Friday, Patel participated in the virtual parliamentary budget vote debate on the revised budget for the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).

"As part his budget debate speech yesterday, the Minister announced that every directorate of the DTIC and every agency within its mandate will prioritise saving firms and jobs during this period."

Cabinet wished Patel a speedy recovery, and extended the same well wishes to the thousands of South Africans and their families who are also battling coronavirus.

"To defeat this virus, we must all continue playing our part in observing all health protocols of washing our hands regularly, properly wearing a mask when in public and practicing physical distancing. Together, we can beat the coronavirus."

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.