Coronavirus morning update: All the new rules for Level 2, and president urges caution

All the new rules for Level 2, including how many people can come over for a braai; and President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens to remain vigilant.

Covid-19 in SA: Death toll hits 11 982 as cases rise to 589 886

The Covid-19 death toll has hit 11 982, while the number of cases now sits at 589 886.

The total number of recoveries is now 477 671 a recovery rate of 80%.

Former Eastern Cape mayor who succumbed to Covid-19 remembered by family, colleagues

Ganjana, 58, died at St Dominic's Hospital on Friday, a day after he was admitted with extreme cold, said family spokesperson Luvuyo Mafanya. 

Mafanya's  the manager at the office of the speaker at Mnquma local municipality and Ganjana's cousin and colleague.

"He was very friendly, reachable to anyone. Even when he was the executive mayor of Mnquma he was very accessible to the public. He gave clear guidance to the entire family about which direction to take and united everyone; making sure members were not pulling to different directions. We will remember him for offering guidance and support all the time," said Mafanya.

Covid-19 hotspots have been scrapped – just as KZN outpaces the Western Cape – ‘for now’

As of one minute past midnight on Tuesday, South Africa will have no formal coronavirus hotspots any more.

Early on Monday afternoon co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma published new rules for Level 2 lockdown, allowing up to 10 visitors to a private home and reopening tobacco and alcohol sales.

In a more technical amendment, the same Government Gazette also deleted a notice published at the end of May, which had declared some parts of South Africa to be coronavirus hotspots.

Gyms can now re-open - but Virgin Active will stay closed for now

Virgin Active - the country's biggest gym chain, with more than 700,000 members - won't be open this week.

"We are still waiting for approval from government on our Covid operational procedures and protocols, and what conditions will be imposed on our opening," a spokesperson told Business Insider SA. "We expect their review of our plan to take approximately a week, following which we will announce our opening date."

The time was right to alleviate hardships - Dlamini-Zuma on Level 2 regulations

During a media briefing on Monday, Minister Dlamini-Zuma likened the government's "risk-adjusted strategy" to the pandemic as walking a tightrope while also saving lives and livelihoods. 

All the new rules for Level 2, including how many people can come over for a braai

The new regulations for lockdown level 2 have just been gazetted. There are still restriction on alcohol sales from bottle stores, but you can order a drink at a restaurant or bar over the weekend.

Covid-19 wrap: Global cases cross 21.74 million, Ghana airports may reopen next month

New Zealand prime minister postponed the country's general election on Monday by a month to 17 October as the city of Auckland remains in lockdown due to a growing coronavirus outbreak, while South Korea warned of a looming crisis as new infections flared, according to Reuters. 

PODCAST | …ONE MORE THING: Catching up with Lindiwe Mazibuko on SA's response to Covid-19

In the latest offering, News24's Tshidi Madia is in conversation with Lindiwe Mazibuko - co-founder and executive director of the Apolitical Academy - about government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Cyril Ramaphosa | It is not the time to be complacent as we move to Level 2 of the lockdown

Dear Fellow South African,

At midnight tonight, our country will move to alert Level 2 in our response to the coronavirus pandemic.

We are still very much in the middle of a deadly pandemic that has taken over 11 000 lives in South Africa alone. 

SA's true Covid-19 death toll may have surpassed 30 000, more than double the official total

The true death toll linked to Covid-19 could be 20 000 higher than the official reported figures, according to estimates by researchers.

A lower estimate, based on forecasts informed by historical mortality, shows deaths could be understated by more than 15 000.

Level 2: What you can and cannot do

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Saturday evening that the country can afford to open up the economy and allow more activities, given that “all indications are” that South Africa has reached the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, and that the health sector is able to withstand and deal with the pandemic.

Adriaan Basson | 10 things I have learnt during the five-month coronavirus lockdown

With the coronavirus lockdown effectively coming to an end when we move to alert Level 2 at midnight, it is worth reflecting on the past five months and the insights gained from South Africa's response to the global pandemic.

Coronavirus morning update: ANC backs Ramaphosa, govt on lockdown moves - says many lives saved

Let's all press forward together, the ANC says, throwing its weight behind President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to move the country to Level 2 of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Covid-19 deaths climb closer to 12 000

South Africa's new Covid-19 cases increased by 3 692, taking the total number of confirmed infections to 587 345.

The number of deaths has increased to 11 839, with 162 new deaths confirmed on Sunday night.

"Regrettably we report a further 162 Covid-19 related deaths - 70 from Eastern Cape, 27 from Gauteng, 21 from KwaZulu-Natal, 6 from Free State, 18 from North West and 20 from Western Cape," Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said in his daily update.

The recoveries now stand at 472 377, translating to a recovery rate of 80%.

The total number of tests conducted to date is 3 400 638, with 22 609 new tests conducted.

#COVID19 Statistics in SA as at 16 August. pic.twitter.com/MVg0GAR1OX

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) August 16, 2020

There has still been no official word out of SA Rugby in terms of when a return to competitive play will happen or what tournament or format will be used, but it is understood that mid-September is the target date. 

The country's professional franchises have been conducting non-contact training since the beginning of the month, but when the country moves to Level 2 on Monday, gyms will be open once more and the intensity of training will be expected to increase.

https://t.co/By0KBr5HQV | SA's move to Level 2 lockdown a major boost for rugby's planned return https://t.co/YazfE6Id3O

— News24 (@News24) August 16, 2020

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:

More than 766000 dead

The pandemic has killed at least 766 228 people worldwide since surfacing in China late last year, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 11:00 GMT on Sunday.

More than 21 million cases have been registered.

The United States has recorded the most deaths with 169 489, followed by Brazil with 107 232, Mexico with 56 543, India with 49 980 and Britain with 41 361.

New restrictions in Spain

The small, northern wine-growing region of La Rioja and the southeastern region of Murcia are the first Spanish regions to implement a raft of new measures to be enforced nationwide.

These include the closing of all discos, night clubs and dancing halls, restaurants and bars are required to shut by 01:00, visits in retirement homes will be limited, and smoking outdoors in public places is banned when a distance of two metres cannot be maintained.

Spain's remaining regional governments are expected to start implementing the new measures in the coming days.

Cruises return to Mediterranean

The departure of the MSC Grandiosa from Italy's northwestern port city of Genoa at 17:30 GMT will mark the first major cruise ship to set sail in the Mediterranean since the worldwide grounding of liners in March.

Israel and UAE research

Days after a surprise political agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel to normalise relations, firms from the two countries sign an agreement to jointly develop research and studies on the novel coronavirus, the UAE's state WAM agency reports.

Let's all press forward together, the ANC said on Sunday, throwing its weight behind President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to move the country to Alert Level 2 of the Covid-19 lockdown.

In a statement, ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe said the party commended the tireless efforts and effective leadership of Ramaphosa and his team in the war against the Covid-19 pandemic.

While President Cyril Ramaphosa's easing of the lockdown regulations to allow more economic activity – including the sale of cigarettes and alcohol – was generally welcomed, some opposition parties have called it too little, too late.

On Saturday evening, Ramaphosa addressed the nation, saying there was reason for hope, while the need for vigilance in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic remained.

In a statement titled "Too late, Mr President. You've already killed the economy", DA interim leader John Steenhuisen said Ramaphosa's announcement "is nothing but a capitulation to the real power in the ANC, who desperately want to cling to the 'new normal' they have created for South Africa these past five months".

4513 new coronavirus cases bring SA's total to 583 653.

The total death toll now stands at 11 667, with 121 new cases.

As the country moves to Level 2 lockdown, all tobacco products can now be sold from midnight on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced.

Liquor can also be sold but within restrictions - from Monday to Thursday,between 9am and 5pm.

Family visits will also be allowed and the ban on interprovincial travel has been lifted.

"Restrictions on family and social visits will also be lifted, although everyone is urged to exercise extreme caution and undertake such visits only if necessary," Ramaphosa said.

Other easing of restrictions include accommodation, hospitality venues and tours will be permitted, according to approved protocols to ensure social distancing.

Restaurants, bars and taverns will be permitted to operate, according to approved protocols as to times of operation and numbers of people.

"Alert Level 2 in terms of our risk-adjusted strategy in dealing with thepandemic means that there is a moderate Covid-19 spread of the virus, with a relatively high health system readiness," Ramaphosa explained.

There are some restrictions that remain:   

Current restrictions on international travel will remain in place

No gatherings of more than 50 people will be permitted. Among others, this includes funerals and religious events.

Spectators will not be permitted at sporting events.

The curfew will remain in place between the hours of 10pm and 4am.

Ramaphosa also announced the total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 583 653 with around 105 000 recoveries.

"Fewer people are presenting with symptoms at our health facilities.We are also finding that fewer people are requiring admission in our hospitals and the demand for coronavirus tests has dropped," he said.

The number of patients hospitalised has decreased from 10 000 at the beginning of the month to around 4 000.

11 667 people died.

A ray of light is visible on the horizon.

Let us press forward as one nation, resolute, brave and courageous. 

Dlamini-Zuma extends national state of disaster by a month

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has extended the Covid-19 national state of disaster by another 30 days.

In a government notice published on Saturday, she said the lockdown has been extended for another month, until 15 September, "taking into account the need to continue augmenting the existing legislation and contingency arrangements undertaken by organs of state to address the impact of the disaster".

Level 2, booze and smokes? Ramaphosa will reveal all on Saturday evening

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on developments in South Africa's risk-adjusted strategy to manage the spread of Covid-19 at 20:00 on Saturday.

In a statement, the Presidency said Ramaphosa's address follows a meeting earlier this week of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and meetings on Saturday of the President's Coordinating Council and Cabinet.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation at 20h00 this evening, Saturday 15 August 2020, on developments in South Africa’s risk-adjusted strategy to manage the spread of COVID-19.

The President’s address follows a meeting earlier this week of the National Coronavirus Command Council and meetings today of the President’s Coordinating Council and Cabinet.

Follow it live on News24.

Mkhize: Daily Covid-19 cases tapering off, but risk of second wave of infections remains

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says the Covid-19 surge has happened in numbers lower than originally postulated, but that the risk of a possible second wave of infections remains real.

"If we look at the current models, they had had to be revised several times but, on all those models, what has been said was that we'll have the surge at a bit of a lower level than what was originally postulated," said Mkhize on Friday.

Covid-19: SA's recovery rate increases to almost 80%, total fatalities now at 11 556

A further 286 Covid-19-related deaths have taken the country's death rate up to 11 556, according to the latest statistics released by the Department of Health. The recovery rate has increased further to almost 80%.

Covid-19 cases jump by more than 6 000 as deaths rise by 286

South Africa's new Covid-19 cases climbed by 6 275, taking the total number of confirmed infections to 579 140.

The number of deaths has increased to 11 556, with 286 new deaths confirmed on Friday night.

"Regrettably we report a further 286 Covid-19 related deaths - 42 from Eastern Cape, 20 from the Free State, 26 from North West, 76 from Gauteng, 54 from KwaZulu-Natal, 22 in Mpumalanga, 18 from Northern Cape and 28 from Western Cape," Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said in his daily update.

The recoveries now stand at 461 734 which translates to a recovery rate of 79%.

The total number of tests conducted to date is 3 351 111, with 35 614 new tests conducted.

As of today,the total number of confirmed #COVID19 cases is 579 140, the total number of deaths is 11 556 and the total number of recoveries is 461 734. pic.twitter.com/SItLTft1fW

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) August 14, 2020

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has thanked the Cuban medical contingent that has been deployed in South Africa, saying they have answered the call during one of the toughest seasons experienced in modern times.

Speaking at a virtual briefing attended by Cuban medical personnel and government representatives on Friday, Mkhize said the arrival of the Cuban Brigade in late April marked a seminal moment in the "close and rich kinship" that South Africa shared with Cuba.

What benefits do Cuban doctors bring to SA? Zweli Mkhize explains

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says Cuban doctors are adding value in the battle against Covid-19 in South Africa because they are "among the best" in the world. 

The minister was reacting to a question during a virtual briefing on Friday where he provided feedback on the deployment of the "Cuban Brigade" to assist in battling the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. 

Teacher unions poll: Improvement in access to water, sanitiser delivery

Schools' access to water and screening essentials has improved and personal protective equipment has been delivered, according to a survey conducted by the country's five teacher unions.

The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu), the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa), the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU), the Professional Educators' Union (PEU) and the National Teachers Union (NATU) conducted the survey to monitor schools' progress and their readiness to receive more pupils on 24 August. 

Cele mum on whether liquor and tobacco bans will be lifted soon

Police Minister Bheki Cele would not be drawn into speculation over whether the lockdown levels would be lowered soon and the alcohol and tobacco ban lifted.

On Friday, Cele, who released the quarterly crime statistics, told the media he had no idea about the banning or unbanning of tobacco and liquor.

Lifting of sales ban on booze considered as Dlamini-Zuma justifies prohibition in court papers

While an announcement from Cyril Ramaphosa moving the country to Level 2 lockdown - and the unbanning of alcohol and cigarettes - appears imminent, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is still justifying the ban in court papers.

On Wednesday, News24 reported the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and Cabinet were advised to lift the ban on the sale of tobacco products and alcohol and move the country to Level 2.

Big drop in crime, but almost 300 000 people charged for breaking regulations

While all categories of crime decreased significantly from 1 April to 30 June, which has been attributed to strict lockdown regulations, almost 300 000 people were charged for breaching the regulations.

On Friday, Police Minister Bheki Cele presented the new quarterly crime statistics.

You can now buy vouchers for doctor visits - and they're surprisingly cheap

Private medical group Netcare has just announced you’ll be able to buy vouchers for GP visits.

Nearly half a million Brits in France may race to get home after new rules were announced suddenly

Hundreds of thousands of British tourists face a scramble to return from France after Boris Johnson's UK government announced that holidaymakers returning from there would have to quarantine for 14 days as of this weekend.

Covid-19 wrap: Vietnam in market for vaccine, UK quarantine change sparks scramble to return from France

Keeping you updated with the latest coronavirus news from around the world.