Coronavirus morning update: Govt admission on smokers, and latest on PPE corruption claims

The government has admitted "smoking populations were less likely to be infected" with the coronavirus; and Gauteng govt tight-lipped on latest PPE tender corruption claims.

With 213 new Covid-19 deaths, South Africa now has 8 366 fatalities.

There are 511 485 coronavirus cases after 8 195 new infections have been recorded.

The recovery rate stands at 347 227 or 68%.

Covid-19: Gauteng's Sunday figures not released due to delay in validating recoveries

Gauteng's Covid-19 figures for Sunday could not be released as the recoveries were still being validated, the provincial government has said.

"As part of ensuring the reliability of the statistics released to the public, the Gauteng Department of Health from time to time audits its data," spokesperson for Health MEC Kwara Kekana said in a statement on Sunday.

"This is part of the data harmonisation process. The team is currently validating the data for recoveries and, as such, we will not be releasing today's daily stats," she said.

Gauteng govt tight-lipped on latest PPE tender corruption claims

The DA is calling for a parliamentary debate in which President Cyril Ramaphosa must answer for the widespread Covid-19 tender corruption involving high-ranking ANC officials.

In a letter to National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise, DA interim leader John Steenhuisen said South Africans have learned of corruption scandals involving those linked to the governing party.

Nokuthula Nkosi* is a public hospital administration worker recovering in a private hospital after contracting the Covid-19 coronavirus at her workplace.

“Here is a clerk who comes to the ward fully dressed in PPE [personal protective equipment],” Nkosi said in disbelief.

This is something new to her as she has not seen it happen before at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, which is one of the designated Covid-19 treatment hospitals.

Hundreds protest in Joburg against government's response to Covid-19

Hundreds of people marched through the streets of central Johannesburg to the Gauteng legislature on Saturday.

The protest was to highlight government failures in response to Covid-19.

The protest was divided into groups to ensure physical distancing and marshals were sanitising people's hands, GroundUp reported.

Eastern Cape health MEC's 'core staffer' arrested for transporting alcohol in govt car

Eastern Cape Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba's personal messenger and ANC Youth League regional task team member Ayanda Matinise was caught by the King William's Town police on Saturday afternoon and charged with transporting alcohol in a state vehicle.

Police spokesperson Colonel Sibongile Soci said Matinise had been charged with contravening the regulations of the Disaster Management Act, driving an unauthorised state vehicle, and attempted bribery of SAPS members.

Pandemic an 'apocalypse' for restaurants in US

For Gabriel Gordon and his wife Lena, the small restaurant they opened 14 years ago in the coastal California town of Seal Beach was a dream project and the cornerstone of their future success.

Covid-19 wrap | Coronavirus spike in Mexico, cases also jump in Russia, US

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis.

Covid-19 lockdown prevented dramatic loss of life, Ramaphosa says as cases pass 500 000

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country could have experienced dramatic loss of life and an uncontrolled increase in Covid-19 infections in late March - he attributed this to the national lockdown.

Ramaphosa: Law enforcement empowered to probe 'unconscionable' Covid-19 tender corruption

President Cyril Ramaphosa said it was unconscionable that there are people who may be using the Covid-19 crisis to unlawfully enrich themselves.

Men are more likely to fall for Covid-19 conspiracy theories

It seems men are more likely to believe in microchipped vaccines and anti-Trump agendas than women.

Lockdown cigarette wars: Govt admits smokers 'less likely to be infected' with coronavirus

The government has admitted "smoking populations were less likely to be infected" with the coronavirus and develop Covid-19.

Covid-19 data: SA still in 'first industrial revolution', reporting infections via old 'paper system'

Experts and medical professionals have raised concern over the country’s Covid-19 data reporting mechanisms, saying old infrastructure, as well as decentralised reporting systems, hinder the process.

Coronavirus morning update: SA breaches half a million Covid-19 cases, lockdown tax loss exceeds value of two virus loans, revised 2020 school calendar revealed

Your latest coronavirus news: Tax revenue loss due to lockdown exceeds two virus loans, ANC MP Zamuxolo Josephs dies, and 7 arrested after smuggling illicit liquor and cigarettes from Mozambique.

Today South Africa has exceeded the half a million mark with a cumulative total of 503 290 confirmed Covid-19 cases recorded.

148 new Covid-19 related deaths have been recorded: 36 from Eastern Cape, 40 from Gauteng, 41 from KwaZulu Natal, 24 from Western Cape and 7 from Northern Cape. This brings the cumulative number of deaths to 8 153.

The total number of tests conducted to date is 3 001 985 with 42 450 new tests conducted since the last report.

The number of recoveries currently stands at 342 461 which translates to a recovery rate of 68%.

Expect 'lengthy' coronavirus pandemic WHO warns

The World Health Organization on Saturday warned the coronavirus pandemic was likely to be "lengthy" after its emergency committee met to evaluate the crisis six months after sounding the international alarm.

The committee "highlighted the anticipated lengthy duration of this Covid-19 pandemic", the WHO said in a statement, and warned of the risk of "response fatigue" given the socio-economic pressures on countries.

The panel gathered Friday for the fourth time over the coronavirus crisis, half a year on from its January 30 declaration of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) - the WHO's highest level of alarm.

Here's when the school year will end: Education dept releases revised calendar dates

The Department of Basic Education has revised the 2020 school calendar for the second time this year. The revised calendar see 153 days of learning for pupils in public schools for the rest of the year.

ANC MP Zamuxolo Joseph Peter has died after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier on 11 July.

After testing positive, he was admitted to hospital and ultimately succumbed to the virus on Friday, 31 July. Peter had previously served as the executive mayor of the Makana Municipality during 2011 to 2015.

Lockdown tax losses exceed value of two virus loans

SA has lost more in tax revenue since the lockdown began than the loans it got from two multilateral development agencies.

SARS Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, says there was a need to raise R40 billion more in the February budget but that gap has widened significantly because of Covid-19.

Tax Relief measures and the ban of tobacco products and alcohol sales have led to an under-recovery of about R47 billion in tax collections.

Ace Magashule's sons join list of ANC family members linked to Covid-19 govt tenders - report

Ace Magashule's sons, Tshepiso and Thato, have been awarded tenders to the value of R2.7 million, according to a Daily Maverick report.

The award was made after the provincial treasury decided to centralise Covid-19 supply procurement, to support local businesses.

Earlier this week, presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko took a leave of absence following an investigation into a tender for Covid-19 supplies awarded to her husband's company.

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 17.61 million, death toll at 679 094

More than 17.61 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 679 094 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

Philippines confirms nearly 5,000 new coronavirus cases, largest single-day increase

The Philippines on Saturday reported 4 963 additional coronavirus infections, the largest single-day jump on record.In a bulletin, the health ministry said total infections have reached 98 232, while deaths increased by 17 to 2 039.

In the region, the Philippines is second only to Indonesia in coronavirus deaths and cases.

Reuters

Egypt reports lowest coronavirus daily figure since 3 May

Egypt reported 321 new Covid-19 infections on Friday, the health ministry said, the lowest figure since 3 May.

Covid-19 wrap: US records over 25 000 deaths in July, recovered Bolsonaro says nothing to fear

President Jair Bolsonaro said nearly everyone will probably end up catching the new coronavirus, saying there was nothing to fear.

Mexico's confirmed coronavirus deaths rose to 46 688, placing the country's death toll from the pandemic at third highest in the world.

China reported 45 cases of the new coronavirus in the mainland for 31 July, down sharply from 127 cases a day earlier.

Coronavirus morning update: SA on brink of hunger crisis, and smoking soldiers face disciplinary

SA is facing a hunger crisis as millions face worsening economic conditions; and SANDF members caught smoking at Andrew Mlangeni funeral face internal disciplinary process.

The Covid-19 death toll has hit 8 005, while the number of cases now sits at 493 183.

The total number of recoveries is now 326 171 - a recovery rate of 66%.

Here’s what made the headlines today

The Hawks have raided the Nkomazi Municipality in Mpumalanga over allegations of Covid-19 tender fraud amounting to R27 million. This comes amid allegations of procurement fraud. No arrests have yet been made.

Schools could close on 15 December, while matriculants may have to wait until February to get their results, a leaked proposal says. The proposal recommends that the schooling year should not be taken into 2021.

South Africa’s economy could contract by 8.2% if there is a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in October and November, according to a new report. But if a second wave can be avoided, growth in 2021 may be 2.5%.

SANDF members caught on camera smoking at the funeral of Andrew Mlangeni this week will face disciplinary action, Police Minister Bheki Cele says. Cele reminded the public, however, that smoking is not banned, just the sale of tobacco products. He added that police have seized 1.8 million cigarettes so far.

A KwaZulu-Natal hospital building built to treat Covid-19 patients was partially burnt, allegedly by members of the community who were upset that part of the hospital was converted into a Covid-19 facility. The hospital is in Amatikulu, near Eshowe. A security guard was injured in the incident.

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- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay

Vietnam records second virus death, Namibia to close schools as cases rise - International Covid-19 news

Vietnam's Health Ministry reported the country's second Covid-19 death shortly after announcing the first death.

The World Health Organisation reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Friday, with the total rising by 292 527.

Namibian schools will be suspended for the second time in four months next week, while limits on public gatherings will be tightened further to 100 from 250 amid surging cases, President Hage Geingob said.

Masked and socially distanced to fight the coronavirus, Muslims around the world held prayers on Friday to mark the festival of Eid al-Adha, with mosques at reduced capacity and some praying in the open air.

And, the coronavirus crisis has pulverised Spain's economy, triggering its worst recession since the civil war, with collapsed tourism numbers boding ill for hopes of a swift rebound.

Pictured: Muslims attend prayers outside Essalam mosque during Eid al-Adha in Rotterdam.

Possible second virus wave will cause further economic pain for SA, warns OECD

South Africa's economy risks contracting by 8.2% this year if the country is hit by a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in October and November, according to a new report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Under this "double-hit scenario", economic recovery in 2021 will remain limited, with GDP only growing by 0.6%. If a second wave of the virus can be avoided, growth in 2021 may tick up to 2.5%. 

The OECD on Friday released its annual economic survey on South Africa, with a focus on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has resulted in a collapse of global growth.

Hawks raids Nkomazi Municipality over alleged R27m Covid-19 tender fraud

Members of the Hawks in Mpumalanga have raided the Nkomazi Municipality over alleged Covid-19 tender fraud to the tune of R27 million.

Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said officers had conducted a search-and-seizure operation at the municipality on Thursday.

"The operation follows investigations in relation to alleged Covid-19 procurement fraud wherein the appointment of contractors and service providers were inconsistent with the requisite procurement regulations," he said.

Young children carry higher levels of coronavirus, says study

Children under the age of five have between 10 to 100 times greater levels of genetic material of the coronavirus in their noses compared to older children and adults, a study in JAMA Pediatrics said Thursday.

Its authors wrote this meant that young children might be important drivers of Covid-19 transmission within communities - a suggestion at odds with the current prevailing narrative.

The paper comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump is pushing hard for schools and daycare to reopen in order to kickstart the economy.

Schools could close on 15 December, matric results to be released in February, leaked proposal shows

The new school calendar may see the academic year ending by 15 December, a leaked document from a Heads of Education Departments Committee (Hedcom) workshop has shown.

The document, dated 28 July, recommends the year should be completed by 15 December for grades R to 11 and it should not be carried over to the first quarter of 2021.

It also recommends the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate examinations be completed by 15 December and marked in January.

Smoking soldiers will face SANDF disciplinary, reveals Bheki Cele

Internal disciplinary processes are under way against South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members caught smoking at the funeral of Andrew Mlangeni on Wednesday, according to Police Minister Bheki Cele.

At a media briefing on Friday, Cele also referred to the police's investigation into the ANC's event held to mark the arrival of Mlangeni's body at his family's home in Dube on Tuesday.

Three soldiers were caught on camera standing closely together, lighting cigarettes and smoking during Mlangeni's funeral on Wednesday.

Vietnam, Fiji report first deaths as China rejects vaccine hacking attempt accusations

Vietnam recorded its first coronavirus death Friday, state media reported, as the pandemic rebounds in a country previously praised for controlling the initial outbreak.

Fiji announced its first coronavirus death Friday, but health officials assured people in the Pacific island nation that it was not the precursor to a major outbreak.

Meanwhile China rejected on Friday charges that hackers linked to its government targeted biotech firm Moderna Inc, a leading U.S.-based coronavirus vaccine research developer, to steal data. 

US counts nearly 1 400 deaths in 24 hours - Johns Hopkins

Washington – The United States counted 1 379 new deaths from the coronavirus in the 24 hours leading up to 20:30 on Thursday (00:30 GMT Friday), according to a count by Johns Hopkins University.

It was the third day in a row with more than 1 200 deaths, according to the Baltimore-based school.

The US has tallied a total of 151 826 deaths from Covid-19, making it the hardest-hit country in the world.

There were also 72 238 new infections officially recorded on Thursday, meaning the US has seen a total of nearly 4.5 million infections since the beginning of the pandemic, with at least 1.4 million of them having recovered.

After seeing an apparent improvement in the spread of the virus in late spring, the US has seen a resurgence of high daily cases loads since the end of June, especially in the southern and western parts of the country.

Beach destination Florida has been hit particularly hard, with a record 253 deaths there on Thursday.

The "Sunshine State" has recently overtaken the case numbers of New York – which had long been the hardest-hit area in the country since the beginning of the pandemic.

California leads in total case count, with a population twice the size of Florida at nearly 40 million.

Meanwhile, Florida is also bracing for the arrival of a tropical storm over the weekend, which forced the closing of some virus testing centres.

 - AFP

Eastern Cape records highest death toll as SA's Covid-19 fatalities rise to 7 812 

The Eastern Cape has recorded the most coronavirus deaths in the country in the past 24 hours of reporting. 

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced late on Thursday that 315 new Covid-19-related deaths had been registered: 121 from the Eastern Cape, 96 from Gauteng, 55 from KwaZulu-Natal, 34 from the Western Cape and nine from the North West. This brings the cumulative number of coronavirus-related deaths to 7 812.

Looking at the figures, 69% of new fatalities occurred in two of the country's nine provinces: The Eastern Cape and Gauteng, which is currently the country's Covid-19 hotspot with a total of 171 574 cases recorded, making up 35.6% of the country's total.

Limpopo civil servants skipping work behind 'cloak of Covid-19', says PCCC

The Limpopo Provincial Coronavirus Command Council says a large number of civil servants are dodging work under "the cloak of Covid-19" which is having a predictable negative impact on service delivery in the province - but also revealing the redundancy of some positions.

Why can Covid-19 be so dangerous where patients are obese?

It is established that obesity can increase the risk of severe Covid-19. Now, new research points to a hormone that regulates the appetite and immune system.

Covid-19 is accelerating 4IR - but SA may not be ready

Banks and insurers say the majority of their employees aren't going back to their headquarters. Private and suburbia schools have transitioned to online learning for most of their grades and more people can perform government-related transactions online, thanks to the zero-rating of more essential websites.

Covid-19 has accelerated the digitisation of the South African economy, but does this mean the country is now ready to fully embrace the Fourth Industrial Innovation (4IR)?

Nine million hungry children: We ask Section27 five questions about school feeding scheme

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, in the middle of July, ordered the Department of Basic Education to reintroduce the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) to all pupils.

Medical scheme representative questions doctors' request for financial aid

A proposal by doctors for financial assistance from medical schemes, as they grapple with the impact of Covid-19, appears to have hit a wall after a scheme representative body raised technical and legal questions about it.