Covid-19 wrap: WHO discussing vaccine with Russia, new virus cases reported in New Zealand

Keeping you up to date on the latest Covid-19 news from around the world.

Covid-19: Practical guidance on disinfecting

Fear of contracting Covid-19 has been exploited by companies marketing unnecessary and even dangerous disinfection methods for surfaces, buildings, and humans.

Putin announced Russia approved a Covid-19 vaccine — and gave it to his daughter

Russian President Vladimir Putin says his government has approved the world's first coronavirus vaccine, and even given his daughter a shot of the treatment, despite concerns that the product has not been properly tested.

UK sheds further 114 000 jobs in July - official data

The number of workers on UK company payrolls slumped by a further 114 000 in July from June on fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, official data showed on Tuesday.

33 000 Eskom pensioners just got Covid-19 bonuses worth R104 million

Some 33 000 members of the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund have received special coronavirus payouts in the form of a once-off bonus worth a little over R104 million in total.

Funeral prices up by as much as 25% during lockdown - with extra fees for Covid-19 deaths

Local funeral parlours have hiked burial and cremation prices by as much as 25% since the arrival of Covid-19.

Covid-19 testing station opens at a third Gauteng shopping mall

The Gauteng Department of Health, Rebosis Property Fund and Faithcare Medicals will on Tuesday open another mall-based Covid-19 testing station – this time at the Bloed Street Mall in Pretoria.

Coronavirus morning update: EC reveals Covid resource spending, and tender task team's role

The Eastern Cape government has published details relating to Covid-19 procurement; and a task team will only compile and publish details of all Covid-19-related contracts.

A cumulative total of 563 598 confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa have been recorded.

213 new Covid-19 related deaths have been recorded: 57 from Eastern Cape, 39 from Gauteng, 11 from KwaZulu Natal, 64 from the Free State, 10 from Mpumalanga, 30 from Western Cape and 2 from Northern Cape. This brings the cumulative total of reported Covid-19 related deaths to 10 621.

The number of recoveries currently stands at 417 200 which translates to a recovery rate of 74%.

Makhura threatens legal action after 'fake' social media posts accuse him of PPE corruption

Gauteng Premier David Makhura has threatened to take legal action against anyone claiming on social media that he was involved in alleged PPE tender corruption. 

This comes after Makhura was made aware of social media posts where it was claimed that his wife and an alleged girlfriend, scored PPE tenders.

The latest Covid-19 news worldwide: More than 731 000 dead and deadly anger spills over in Peru

The United States reaches the extraordinary milestone of five million virus cases.President Donald Trump's Democratic opponent in the presidential election, Joe Biden, tweets that it is "a number that boggles the mind and breaks the heart".

WHO optimistic about beating deadly coronavirus pandemic

The World Health Organisation insisted on Monday there was still hope of conquering the coronavirus pandemic despite the pain and suffering behind the looming 750 000 death toll and 20 million cases.

With both landmarks expected to be reached within days, the WHO said it was never too late to take action to suppress the Covid-19 crisis that has gripped the planet.

"This week we'll reach 20 million registered cases of Covid-19 and 750 000 deaths," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual press conference.

"Behind these statistics is a great deal of pain and suffering. Every life lost matters. I know many of you are grieving and that this is a difficult moment for the world.

"But I want to be clear: there are green shoots of hope and... it's never too late to turn the outbreak around."

Eastern Cape procures Covid-19 resources to the tune of about R1.2 billion

The Eastern Cape government has taken a decision to publish details relating to Covid-19 procurement and said it had already procured goods to the value of about R1.2 billion in the province.

In a statement on Monday, Eastern Cape Finance MEC Mlungisi Mvoko said the decision to publish details around the procurement was done to maintain accountability, transparency and ethical behaviour.

Government explains role of Cabinet Covid-19 tender committee amid cynicism

The ministers appointed by the Cabinet to a ministerial task team will only compile and publish details of all Covid-19-related contracts, and will not be investigating them, the government said in a statement about the committee's role.

Department of Defence distances itself from 'fraudulent' face mask tender document

The Department of Defence (DOD) has distanced itself from a tender document for a contract to supply 45 000 face masks, labelling it a scam by fraudsters.

In a statement on Sunday, the department said it had been alerted to another fraudulent request for tender document using the official logos and letterhead of the department and the SA National Defence Force.

Coronavirus morning update: PPE tender allegations 'eroded trust', NZ 100 days with no virus cases

Corruption allegations relating to the procurement of Covid-19 supplies have "eroded trust between the state and citizens"; and New Zealand hits 100 days with no virus cases.

198 new deaths push SA's Covid-19 fatalities to 10 408

Covid-19 fatalities in the country climbed by 198 as of Sunday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced.

The Eastern Cape reported 80 deaths, Gauteng 32, KwaZulu-Natal 63 and Western Cape 23. This brings the number of deaths to 10 408.

The number of recoveries currently stands at 411 147, which translates to a rate of 73%.

#COVID19 Statistics in SA as at 09 August. pic.twitter.com/00a4MRssdc

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) August 9, 2020

18 new Covid-19 deaths recorded in the Western Cape

The Western Cape recorded an additional 18 Covid-19-related deaths on Sunday.

So far, 3 392 people have died in the province.

On Saturday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said the number of Covid-19 fatalities had breached the 10 000 mark to stand at 10 210, while there were 553 188 confirmed cases nationally. 

There were 1 194 hospitalisations, with 264 people in either intensive or high care units.

The Department of Health releases updated national daily figures every evening, which may include further data on the province.

"Today, as we commemorate Women's Day in South Africa, we thank those women who have been at the frontline of our response to Covid-19," said Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.

"We thank the thousands of women in our healthcare system, working as doctors, nurses, researchers, scientists, technicians, hospital cleaners, catering and administrative staff who ensure that the sick people of this province get the care that they need.

"We also thank all of those dedicated women who are teachers, school staff, social workers, sports coaches and law enforcement officers who are on the ground in our communities, making a difference in people's lives."

Malawi cracks down on 'alarming' virus surge

Wearing of face masks will now be mandatory. All public gatherings, including at bars and religious centres have been banned.

Bars will only be allowed to sell take-out alcohol. No groups of more than 10 people are allowed, except for funerals with a maximum of 50 people. Silungwe said an "army of enforcement officers" had been hired to ensure the regulations were followed.

US tally hits over five million Covid-19 cases, 162 430 deaths

The United States has registered over five million cases in the coronavirus pandemic, Johns Hopkins University's real-time tally showed Sunday, as well as over 162 000 deaths as the country struggles to control the disease.

The US tally reached 5 000 603 cases on Sunday morning and 162 430 deaths - both totals by far the highest of any country in the world.

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 19.72 million, death toll at 726 246

More than 19.72 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 726 246 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

Football restarts in virus-hit South Africa with Bloem Celtic, Mamelodi Sundowns victories

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) resumed on Saturday after a 145-day coronavirus-induced shutdown with Bloemfontein Celtic reaching the Nedbank Cup final behind closed doors.

The semi-final at Orlando Stadium in Soweto saw Celtic score in first-half stoppage time after Baroka had a man sent off, and twice more during the second half for a 3-0 win.

After Namibian Ananias Gebhardt was red-carded for a late, studs-up tackle, captain Ndumiso Mabena put Celtic ahead and substitute Sepana Letsoalo netted twice in the closing stages. 

The teams walked separately on to the pitch, which resembled a dustbowl in parts after several months without rain, then stood still and clapped to honour coronavirus victims.

Covid-19 corruption could hamper economic recovery - Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation 

Corruption allegations relating to the procurement of Covid-19 supplies have eroded trust between the state and citizens, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation said in a statement.

Several tender-related reports have emerged over the last few weeks on the involvement of the families of ANC members in the procurement of Covid-19 supplies.

President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson Khusela Diko took a leave of absence, pending investigations into allegations involving her and her husband; Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku and his wife were asked to "step aside"; former Gauteng premier and ANC NEC member Nomvula Mokonyane's daughter, Katleho, also reportedly benefitted; and PPE tenders worth millions of rand have reportedly been awarded to people who have ties to ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule.

Coronavirus deaths top 10 000 in SA

Johannesburg – More than 10 000 people have died from coronavirus in South Africa since the pandemic arrived in the country in March, the health ministry said on Saturday.

SA has registered 553 188 infections, more than half of the continental caseload, and the fifth biggest number of Covid-19 cases in the world.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said in his daily update statement that 301 new virus-related deaths had been recorded.

"This means we have breached the 10 000 mark, with 10 210 cumulative deaths now recorded," he said.

More than half of the deaths registered on Saturday were in KwaZulu-Natal.

"The peak is here, the peak is where we are," Mkhize said during an inspection of KZN hospitals on Saturday.

While South Africa is the continent's hardest-hit nation in terms of infections, the mortality rate – at around 1.8% – is one of the lowest among countries with high numbers of cases.

 - AFP

New Zealand reaches 100-day milestone without virus transmission

Wellington – New Zealand marked 100 days on Sunday with no recorded cases of the coronavirus in the community, but health officials warned there was no room for complacency.

There are still 23 active cases, but all were detected at the border when entering the country and are being held in managed isolation facilities.

"Achieving 100 days without community transmission is a significant milestone, however, as we all know, we can't afford to be complacent," director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield said.

"We have seen overseas how quickly the virus can re-emerge and spread in places where it was previously under control, and we need to be prepared to quickly stamp out any future cases in New Zealand."

New Zealand, with a population of five million, has won widespread praise for its effective handling of the coronavirus since closing its borders on 19 March.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has hailed the country as an example to others for having "successfully eliminated community transmission".

 - AFP

Brazil surpasses 100 000 coronavirus deaths

Rio de Janeiro – Brazil on Saturday surpassed 100 000 coronavirus deaths and three million cases of infection, crossing the grim milestone after President Jair Bolsonaro said he had a "clear conscience" on his response to the outbreak.

With 100 477 fatalities and 3 012 412 confirmed cases, the South American nation of 212 million people is the second hardest-hit country in the global pandemic, after the United States.

The health ministry reported 905 new deaths in the past 24 hours, as well as 49 970 fresh cases.

But the official figures are most likely an undercount, with experts estimating that the total number of infections could be up to six times higher due to insufficient testing.

Brazil has seen 478 deaths per million people, a figure roughly equivalent to that of the United States (487), but lower than that of Spain (609) or Italy (583).

 - AFP

Coronavirus morning update: Govt urged to rethink booze ban, pandemic end 'at least a year away'

Liquor traders have called on government to strike a balance between saving lives and saving livelihoods; and Bill Gates thinks the pandemic won't be over for at least a year.

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 19.65 million, death toll at 725 334

More than 19.65 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 725 334 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

The Covid-19 death toll has hit 10 210, while the number of cases now sits at 553 188.

The total number of recoveries is now 404 568 - a recovery rate of 73%.

Here’s what made the headlines today

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has said before the courts that not all experts advising government agreed on an alcohol ban, but government decided to do it anyway. Mkhize has filed an affidavit to bolster the government’s arguments in a case where a group of restaurants are seeking to have the alcohol ban lifted.

Questions have been raised about the quality of protective gear being issued to health workers on the frontline of the Covid-19 fight. Sources told us that medical staff was being made to use substandard PPE gear which was apparently sourced without proper quality controls.

The chairperson of the Council for Medical Schemes at the Nelson Mandela University, Professor Lungile Pepeta, has died of Covid-19. He was reportedly on a ventilator at a hospital. Pepeta was an acclaimed paediatric cardiologist and helped spearhead the country’s response to Covid-19.

IFP president emeritus Mangosuthu Buthelezi has tested positive for Covid-19. His family says the 92-year-old is, however, showing no symptoms.

The alcohol ban is taking its toll on liquor traders, who have now called on the government to weigh up public safety with saving livelihoods. Aside from a small window when the country went to lockdown Level 3, liquor traders have been unable to make money since the start of the lockdown back in March.

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- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay

IFP president emeritus Mangosuthu Buthelezi tests positive for Covid-19

Founder and president emeritus of the IFP Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has tested positive for Covid-19, his family said on Saturday. 

In a statement, the family added he tested positive earlier in the week after being told he had been in contact with someone who was infected. 

Buthelezi, who showed no symptoms, turns 92 later this month.

CMS chairperson Professor Lungile Pepeta dies of Covid-19

Nelson Mandela University's health sciences executive dean and chairperson of the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), Professor Lungile Pepeta, has died of Covid-19.

He was on a ventilator at the Life St George's Hospital and died on Friday, according to Netwerk24.

Pepeta was a renowned paediatric cardiologist and, more recently, had helped spearhead the response to Covid-19.

Brazil's Covid-19 death toll heads toward 100 000

Brazil's death toll from Covid-19 is expected to hit 100 000 on Saturday and continue to climb as most Brazilian cities reopen shops and dining even though the pandemic has yet to peak.

Confronting its most lethal outbreak since the Spanish flu a century ago, Brazil reported its first cases of the novel coronavirus at the end of February.

The virus took three months to kill 50 000 people, and just 50 days to kill the next 50 000. Led by President Jair Bolsonaro, who has played down the gravity of the epidemic and fought lockdowns by local officials, Brazilians who protested nightly from their windows in the first months of the outbreak have met the grim milestone with a shrug.

"We should be living in despair, because this is a tragedy like a world war. But Brazil is under collective anesthesia," said Dr José Davi Urbaez, a senior member of the Infectious Diseases Society.

He and other pubic health experts have raised the alarm that Brazil still has no coordinated plan to fight the pandemic, as many officials focus on "reopening," which is likely to boost circulation and worsen the outbreak. Two health ministers, both trained doctors, have resigned over differences with Bolsonaro. 

Latin America plus the Carribean is now the region with the worst combined toll, counting 215 859 deaths compared to Europe's 212 794.

- Reuters

PODCAST | THE STORY: How far has SA come after over four months of fighting a deadly virus

This week on The Story, we take a look at the coronavirus pandemic that is bringing the world to its knees.

As the devastating effect of the lockdown measures on the country's economy continues, the pandemic has, for many, become an unbearable burden.

After more than 130 days since the beginning of a nationwide lockdown to curb the coronavirus, South Africa is at a crossroads. 

Liquor ban: Govt again urged to consider balancing saving lives and livelihoods

A number of liquor traders met in Soweto on Friday where they decided that government must consider their financial needs when shutting down their businesses.

On 12 July, President Cyril Ramaphosa banned the sale of alcohol in the country with immediate effect.

Traders complained that government didn’t give them enough time to prepare for the ban as some had just taken loans to purchase new stock to kickstart their businesses after the first sales ban.

Opposition sceptical about Cabinet committee to investigate Covid-19 contracts

Opposition parties reacted with cynicism to President Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment of a six-member Cabinet committee to deal with all allegations of corruption related to Covid-19 procurement.

Cabinet on Wednesday approved the establishment of this team.

DA interim leader John Steenhuisen described the committee as "window dressing to create the illusion of action".

Coronavirus morning update: WC govt calls for alcohol ban to be lifted, and no flu season for SA

The Western Cape government warns over jobs in the alcohol sales and wine producing sector; and for the first time in 36 years there will be no flu season in South Africa.

With 7 292 new coronavirus infections recorded the country has a total of 545 476 cases.

305 new deaths bring the total to 9 909.

The number of recoveries currently stands at 394 759 which translates to a recovery rate of 72%.

Here are some of our top stories:

Not everyone who goes to restaurants drinks alcohol - Dlamini-Zuma

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has disputed a claim by a group of restaurants that people are not frequenting restaurants solely because no alcohol can be sold with meals. 

Lockdown: Western Cape wants alcohol ban lifted urgently

The Western Cape government wants the alcohol sales and wine producing sector reopened urgently to prevent a jobs bloodbath.

It believed that although the pandemic was not gone, the peak had passed in the province, and with safety precautions followed, alcohol sales could resume safely. 

Alcohol ban: Liquor traders losing an estimated R300m a day

Liquor traders are losing an estimated R300 million daily due to the ban on the sale of alcohol.

Spirits producing company Diageo's director for corporate relations Sibani Mngadi revealed this during a public dialogue by female alcohol traders in Soweto on Friday.  

Not all schools in Gauteng were able to open for returning Grade 12 pupils this week. 

According to a presentation by Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi during the weekly Provincial Coronavirus Command Council (PCCC) update on Friday, 598 public schools with Grade 12 reopened, while 24 remained closed.