INTERVIEW | Whitey Basson: The coronavirus graph is flattening, but corruption is going up

Billionaire businessman Whitey Basson is used to being "out and about", but he has adapted to being home-bound due to the coronavirus lockdown. He says he can at least enjoy walks on his smallholding near Stellenbosch and jokes that there is still enough supply in his wine cellar.

Coronavirus morning update: Latest on cigarette, alcohol bans and concern over schools

The president has been told to lift the cigarette, alcohol bans, and move to Level 2 lockdown, sources say; and unions and SGBs are concerned about matric, Grade 7 attendance.

The Covid-19 death toll has hit 11 010, while the number of cases now sits at 568 919.

The total number of recoveries is now 432 029 - a recovery rate of 75.9%.

Here’s what made the headlines on Wednesday

This year’s matric exams will run from 5 November to 15 December, the Department of Basic Education has announced. The later start date will allow pupils to complete the curriculum while also having enough time to study, the department says. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been told to lift the tobacco and alcohol bans, and move the country to lockdown Level 2, sources have told us. Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation this week. The alcohol industry has suffered great losses during the ban, and there are fears that illicit cigarette and alcohol industries are thriving during this time.

KwaZulu-Natal is recording new Covid-19 cases at a higher rate than any other province -  but the national average of new daily cases is on a slight decrease. News24’s Kyle Cowan breaks down the statistics.

Meanwhile, private cremators in KZN have reported operating under increased strain, having to work long hours to cope with demands. One crematorium said they had conducted 91 cremations in just seven days. This comes as the province experiences an increase in cases.

Who said the lockdown has to get in the way of your wedding? Two families from KZN and Eastern Cape held lobola negotiations via zoom - and they will stream their wedding live on Facebook and YouTube.

Stay informed with News24

Special report | We remember those who died of Covid-19.
Hygiene | Masks, laundry, living space - the best ways to disinfect
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
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- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay

Polish draft bill allows breaking law to fight virus, pandemic forces UK into deepest ever recession - International Covid-19 news

Polish officials who break the law with the intention of containing the coronavirus pandemic could go unpunished, according to a bill proposed by ruling party lawmakers.

And, the global coronavirus pandemic pushed Britain into its deepest-ever recession, data showed Wednesday.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the upcoming election in September could be postponed as the coronavirus seems to have re-entered the Pacific country.

Belgium, which is battling one of the most serious coronavirus outbreaks in Europe, authorities made the wearing of face masks in public compulsory in the Brussels region from Wednesday.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will be a guinea pig for a controversial Russian coronavirus vaccine, his spokesperson said on Wednesday, as the Southeast Asian nation emerged as a frontrunner for overseas clinical trials. 

Swiss federal government expects a deficit of 20.9 billion Swiss francs ($22.87 billion) for 2020, it said on Wednesday, as the country's coffers are hurt by lower receipts and costly programmes to offset the new coronavirus's hit to the economy.

Ramaphosa 'encouraged to introduce Level 2', KZN seeing cases at a higher rate as provinces crematoriums struggle under the strain

Here are stories from earlier today you may have missed

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been told to lift the tobacco and alcohol bans, and move the country to lockdown Level 2, sources have told us. Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation this week. The alcohol industry has suffered great losses during the ban, and there are fears that illicit cigarette and alcohol industries are thriving during this time.

KwaZulu-Natal is recording new Covid-19 cases at a higher rate than any other province -  but the national average of new daily cases is on a slight decrease. News24’s Kyle Cowan breaks down the statistics.

Meanwhile, private cremators in KZN have reported operating under increased strain, having to work long hours to cope with demands. One crematorium said they had conducted 91 cremations in just seven days. This comes as the province experiences an increase in cases.

What’s it like being a paramedic during the pandemic? We take a look at the life of a paramedic, who brave potential Covid-19 and crime risks.

Covid-19 wrap: World reacts to Russia's vaccine, new cases spell uncertainty for elections in NZ

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

'DA making claims with mouthful of salaries' - minister denies civil servants being paid for no work

Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu has rubbished claims by the DA that R11 billion in salaries was paid to public servants while not working during the lockdown.

BREAKING | Ramaphosa told to lift cigarette, alcohol ban and move to Level 2 lockdown - sources

The National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and Cabinet have been advised to lift the ban on the sale of cigarettes and alcohol and move the country to Alert Level Two of the nationwide lockdown.

Minister Motshekga's husband not involved in production of sanitisers for schools - education dept

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has dismissed claims that her husband, Dr Mathole Motshekga, is involved in the production of sanitisers for schools.

IN-DEPTH | On the streets with paramedics amid Covid-19 and high crime rates

In South Africa responding to medical emergencies can mean risking your life, possible assault and losing some of your belongings.

Covid-19: SA achieves 75% recovery rate, KZN overtakes Western Cape

South Africa's Covid-19 recovery rate has increased to 75% – its highest to date and well above the global average of 62%.

SA to take part in two more Covid-19 vaccine trials

South Africa is consolidating its place in the race for a Covid vaccine with its participation starting from next month in two new international trials of vaccine candidates.

Coronavirus morning update: Booze ban creating 'incredible' trade risks, latest on vaccines

The continued ban on the sale of alcohol products is creating "incredible risks" between SA and its biggest trade partner; and the latest news on a potential Covid-19 vaccine.

The Covid-19 death toll has hit 10 751, while the number of cases now sits at 566 109.

The total number of recoveries is now 426 125 - a recovery rate of 75%.

Here’s what made the headlines on Tuesday

Russia has approved the world’s first approved Covid-19 vaccine. Its President, Vladimir Putin, said he had given his daughter a shot of vaccine, and assured the public that it has passed all necessary checks. Meanwhile, AFP reports that global preorders of various vaccines have topped 5 billion.

Municipalities have reported losing billions of rands in revenue because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Big metros, like Cape Town and Johannesburg, are expected to be the worst affected. The City of Cape Town, for instance, is projecting a loss of R5.7 billion.

The Department of Basic Education has warned people against trying to shut down schools or disrupt classes. This came as Grade 7s returned to school after a four-week break. The department said it had received more than 70 reports of people trying to disrupt classes at various schools.

Some 33 000 Eskom pensioners received Covid-19 bonuses to the tune of R104 million. This amount was half the bonus that is usually paid out to pensioners in December if the power utility can afford it. Households received between R3 500 and R5 425 each.

Funeral prices are being hiked up by as much as 25% during the lockdown, and people are being charged extra for Covid-19-related deaths. Price increases are down to funeral homes themselves suffering extra costs, like personal protective eqipment and sanitising products. 

Stay informed with News24

Special report | We remember those who died of Covid-19.
Hygiene | Masks, laundry, living space - the best ways to disinfect
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
News24 For Subscribers | Like our Covid-19 coverage? Sign up for a premium subscription

- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay

WHO doesn't know enough to evaluate Russia's vaccine, UK's pupils return to school - International Covid-19 news

The World Health Organisation has not received enough information on the Russian Covid-19 vaccine to evaluate it, the assistant director of its regional branch, the Pan American Health Organisation, Jarbas Barbosa says.

New Zealand's dream run of 102 days without locally transmitted coronavirus ended Tuesday, prompting a stay-at-home lockdown order for the country's largest city.

And, Mexico will conduct late-stage clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccines in development by Johnson & Johnson and two Chinese companies, the foreign ministry says. 

Scottish children began attending schools for the first time in five months on Tuesday as leaders across Britain try to kickstart a return to education despite coronavirus cases increasing again.

Pictured: An Egyptian man casts his vote at polling station on 11 August 2020 in Giza, Great Cairo, Egypt. (Getty Images)

Covid-19: WHO wants to review safety data of Russia's vaccine

The World Health Organisation says any WHO stamp of approval on a Covid-19 vaccine candidate would require a rigorous safety data review, after Russia announced on Tuesday it had approved a vaccine.

In a stunning move on Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin said Russia had become the first country to approve a vaccine offering "sustainable immunity" against the new coronavirus.

"We are in close contact with the Russian health authorities and discussions are ongoing with respect to possible WHO pre-qualification of the vaccine," the United Nations health agency's spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic told reporters in Geneva at an online press briefing.

Explainer: When will a Covid-19 vaccine be ready?

Around the world, politicians, drugmakers and regulators offer contradictory outlooks on when a Covid-19 vaccine will be ready. Much depends on what 'ready' means and for what group of people.

Some key questions around the timeline are:

When will we know a vaccine works? More than half a dozen drugmakers around the world are conducting advanced clinical trials, each with tens of thousands of participants, and several expect to know if their Covid-19 vaccines work and are safe by the end of this year.

The most optimistic timeline comes from AstraZeneca Plc, which is running a study in Britain that it says could be completed as early as August.

Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious diseases expert, said last week that a trial by Moderna Inc could produce decisive results by November or December. Others will come later, some much later.

But some experts are skeptical that the trials, which must study potential side effects on different types of people, can be completed that quickly.

When will the first shots be ready? Several drugmakers are building manufacturing capacity so they can begin production as soon as vaccines are approved by regulators. Some efforts are backed by a US government program called 'Operation Warp Speed'.

Fauci expects "tens of millions" of doses to be available in early 2021, and that by the end of the year there could be more than a billion.

Several companies say they each expect to make more than 1 billion doses next year. That could mean several billion available by the end of 2021.

When can I get it? First supplies late this year or early next would likely go to those in rich nations who are deemed by governments to work in essential industries or who are at greatest risk from the virus. That is likely to include people with other issues such as diabetes, healthcare workers, and members of the military.

Countries including Canada, Japan, Britain, and the United States have locked in deals putting their citizens first in line for inoculations as they become broadly available during 2021.

When will the world be inoculated? The wait time for Covid-19 vaccines will likely be longer for people in developing countries, which don't have early supply deals. Some countries may struggle to pay for vaccines.

And what about Russia’s vaccine? Russia has become the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine after less than two months of human testing.

The vaccine still has to complete final trials, raising concerns among some experts at the speed of its approval. Still, Russian business conglomerate Sistema has said it expects to put it into mass production by the end of the year.

- Reuters

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.

Stay informed with News24

Special report | We remember those who died of Covid-19.
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
News24 For Subscribers | Like our Covid coverage? Sign up for a premium subscription
- 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