Coronavirus morning update: Covid-19 tender contracts published, cigarette ban challenge withdrawn

Companies that received government contracts for Covid-19 tenders have been published online; and the Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association has withdrawn legal action.

The Covid-19 death toll has hit 13 502, while the number of cases now sits at 615 701.

The total number of recoveries is now 525 242 - a recovery rate of 85%.

Here’s what made the headlines on Wednesday

First year students can return to university during lockdown Level 2, higher education minister Blade Nzimande has announced. He said all universities had plans in place for remote learning for students in other years.

Police are investigating a fake voice message that circulated on Tuesday saying that the government would be reinstating the alcohol ban. Police say this is a crime, as per regulations in the Disaster Management Act. The message sent the public into a frenzy, as they raced to liquor stores to stock up.

The Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association has withdrawn its marathon legal challenge against the tobacco ban, after the ban was lifted on 18 August and the association was given an assurance that the industry would be considered if a new ban was to be considered.

Employment and labour minister Thulas Nxesi says the Covid-19 UIF fund will soon return, after an audit into the payment scheme caused payments to be put on hold. Nxesi said the scheme had paid out some R40 billion to about nine million employees since the start of the lockdown back in March.

The Covid-19 pandemic has meant landlords across the country are struggling to fill rental properties, with new data showing that 11% of rental properties are vacant - a 50% increase from the start of the year. High-end properties are the worst affected, with 23% of homes costing more than R25 000 a month being vacant.

Looking abroad, a UK study says a chemical used in insect repellent can kill the strain of coronavirus that causes Covid-19. The study, which comes from the UK’s defence laboratory, has not, however, been externally peer-reviewed.

Stay informed with News24

Special report | We remember those who died of Covid-19.
Hygiene | Masks, laundry, living space - the best ways to disinfect
Weddings | A mask for the bride - and all other rules for weddings under lockdown.
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

Russia starts new phase of vaccine trials, WEF postponed amid virus fears - International Covid-19 news

Russia starts a new phase of clinic trials of Russia's approved Covid-19 vaccine called "Sputnik V" that will involve more than 40 000 people in Moscow, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Wednesday.

The 2021 Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) summit of business leaders and politicians has been called off for January due to the coronavirus pandemic, with organisers planning to reschedule the event to sometime early next summer.

Croatia recorded its highest number of daily coronavirus infections Wednesday as a tricky summer tourism season brings a resurgence of Covid-19 to the Adriatic country.

The city of Berlin will put thousands of police on the streets at the weekend to enforce a ban on demonstrations opposing measures imposed to stem the coronavirus pandemic after marchers at a recent rally failed to wear masks or keep their distance.

China's BGI Genomics said on Wednesday its coronavirus testing kit has "relatively high accuracy", a day after Sweden said about 3 700 people received false positive results due to a fault in the company's product.

Belgium revised down on Wednesday the country's Covid-19 death toll, just as it was about to pass the milestone of 10 000 fatalities.

Ukraine on Wednesday imposed a temporary ban on most foreigners from entering the country until 28 September and extended lockdown measures until the end of October to contain a recent spike in coronavirus cases.

President Ramaphosa welcomes publishing of lists of government-wide Covid-19 tenders

The Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO) has published a full list of all companies who have been awarded contracts by government for the supply of goods and services relating to the Covid-19 pandemic on the National Treasury website, the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa said: "This measure is unprecedented, and a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to transparency and accountability when it comes to allegations of corruption in the Covid-19 procurement process."

The move is in line with a directive issued by Ramaphosa on 5 August, for departments to submit full information on Covid-19 tenders to the ministerial team convened by Justice and Correctional Services Minister, Ronald Lamola.  

The lists include Covid-19 procurement information from all provinces, national departments and over 70 public entities.

"By publishing these lists we have honoured our promise to the South African people. They enable proper scrutiny of the details of all companies who have received tenders for Covid-19 related services," said Ramaphosa.

The register of Covid-related procurement may be found at: www.treasury.gov.za.

Covid-19 wrap: Global cases cross 23.97m, North Korea issues warning and Gaza man dies amid lockdown

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

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 23.97 million, death toll at 819 426

More than 23.97 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 819 426 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Gaza man dies of coronavirus as enclave clamps down on outbreak

A 61-year-old man has died in the Gaza Strip after contracting the coronavirus, Palestinian authorities said on Wednesday as they clamped down on an outbreak of the pandemic in the enclave.

Russia's coronavirus infection tally passes 970 000

Russia reported 4 676 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, pushing its confirmed national tally up to 970 865.Authorities said 115 people had died of Covid-19 over the last 24 hours, raising the official death toll to 16 683.

PLUS:

- Australia's Victoria state reports 149 new coronavirus cases, 24 deaths

- Mexico's confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 568 621, deaths reach 61 450

Nzimande says the return of students up to 66% will proceed under specific by the department to all institutions. (Twitter, @Sesona_Ngqaks)

Fourteen of universities are at low risk of Covid-19 says Nzimande. They include, Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela University, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Unisa.

Six are at medium risk - they include Tshwane University of Technology and Durban University of Technology. Another six are at high risk.

Nzimande says the return of students up to 66% will proceed under specific by the department to all institutions. (Twitter, @Sesona_Ngqaks)

Nzimande says under Level 2, it will be possible for universities to allow for up to a maximum of 66% of students to return to campus. 

Nzimande: All students must be given an opportunity to complete the school year.

Nzimande begins with some background: says he has met various stakeholders during consultations. These include vice-chancellors, principals of TVET colleges, student bodies and trade unions.

Each institution has taken a different approach to the risk-adjusted strategy based on context and capacity, says Nzimande.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has concluded the sector’s consultations with major stakeholders following the announcement of the lockdown Level 2.

Nzimande uses these consultations as platforms to brief the entire post school education and training sector on progress and proposed solutions to the challenges that might have been experienced by the sector in implementing the sector’s Covid-19 plans.

These consultations will culminate into the Minister issuing a public statement through a media briefing that will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2020

Time: 14h00

 - GCIS

All the UIF’s coronavirus payouts were stopped amid new fraud probe

- Business For South Africa says the Auditor-General has launched an investigation into the UIF's coronavirus payout system, which halted payments to workers. 

- After a delay in payments due to the investigation, the UIF was given the go-ahead to resume payments from Tuesday, according to a spokesperson of the department of employment and labour.

Tobacco group withdraws long-running legal challenge against cigarette ban

The Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association says it has received assurances that the state would allow for a public participation process if a new ban were considered.

Anxiety-related Google searches reached record high in US during early stages of pandemic

The fear and uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic led to Google searches for anxiety and panic attacks skyrocketing earlier this year, a new study shows.

The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered high levels of anxiety and panic around the world, as people feel powerless while struggling with a variety of emotions. And if you turned to the internet for help with anxiety attacks during this time, you weren’t alone.

A new study has found that Google searches for anxiety soared to a record high at the beginning of the pandemic, and the researchers are advocating for the mental health repercussions during this time to be taken seriously by policy decision-makers.

Latest Covid-19 numbers: 613 017 cases, 13 308 deaths and an 84% recovery rate

South Africa's recovery rate for Covid-19 is steadily improving and stands at 84%, almost 20 percentage points higher than the global average of 65%.

Health dept wants all natural death corpses tested for Covid-19 before burial

A circular issued by the Department of Health has advised medical doctors and funeral undertakers that all persons who die at home must be tested for Covid-19. 

Coronavirus morning update: Alcohol sales ban 'fake news', and Covid-19 antibody tests now legal

Rumours alleging the ban on the sale of alcohol was to be be reinstated not true; and the national Department of Health has confirmed that antibody testing is now legal.

The Covid-19 death toll has hit 13 308, while the number of cases now sits at 613 017.

The total number of recoveries is now 520 381 - a recovery rate of 84%.

Here’s what made the headlines on Tuesday

People raced to liquor stores amid rumours that the government was looking at reinstating the alcohol ban. The cooperative governance department dismissed these reports as fake news, and was concerned that, as people rushed to bottle stores, physical distancing measures were being ignored.

Transport minister Fikile Mbalula has announced that interprovincial travelling is permitted under lockdown Level 2, and that railways are allowed to open again. The minister also announced four more airports will be reopening.

The health department has confirmed that Covid-19 antibody testing is now legal in South Africa. Testing kits are being supplied to laboratories and for point of care or rapid testing facilities.

A study has found that children may spread a larger role in spreading Covid-19 than previously thought. Researchers looked at the viral load, immune response and hyperinflammation in 192 paediatric patients between the ages of 0 and 22.

Gyms have reopen under lockdown Level 2 with a host of changes to curb potential risks and improve hygiene and physical distancing. Our reporter Kelly Anderson wrote about her experience.

Stay informed with News24

Special report | We remember those who died of Covid-19.
Hygiene | Masks, laundry, living space - the best ways to disinfect
Weddings | A mask for the bride - and all other rules for weddings under lockdown.
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

Virus 'easing in most regions', Spain deploys army to assist healthcare efforts - International Covid-19 news

The Covid-19 pandemic is still raging worldwide, but fresh World Health Organisation data indicates its pace is easing in most regions, with the biggest slowdown seen in the hard-hit Americas.

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of president Jair Bolsonaro, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to a statement by Flavio's spokesperson. 

Spain will call in the army to help identify those who have been exposed to people infected with coronavirus as part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Tuesday.

It's late August, the long summer holidays are over and as children return to school in Britain, thoughts begin to turn to the end-of-year Christmas festivities - but questions are already being asked about a time-honoured tradition given the coronavirus outbreak and restrictions - the visit to see Father Christmas.

About 3 700 people in Sweden were told in error that they had the coronavirus due to a fault in a Covid-19 testing kit from China, the Public Health Agency said on Tuesday.

Turkey will let limited numbers of fans attend football matches from October, the Turkish Football Federation said in a statement on Tuesday, rolling back some curbs imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

WRAP | Mbalula announces that inter-provincial travel is now permitted, 4 more airports to open

Minibus taxis must only hold 70% capacity in long-distance travels - that is, longer than 200km. In journeys less than 200km, they can hold 100%.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula was briefing the nation on new regulations in the transport sector for lockdown Level 2. 

Passenger rails can hold 70% capacity, and transport long distances again. 

People not wearing face masks may not enter public transport vehicles of any kind. Operators of public transport vehicles must comply with health regulations.

The minister says there are processes put in place to allow air travel to resume. So far, 14 airports have already been opened, and now four more are opened: Mthatha, Hoedspruit, Phalaborwa, and Margate airports.

International travel is, however, still prohibited.

Crew changes may take place at Cape Town port and the port of Durban, Mbalula says, but companies and crews must comply with certain protocols.

The minister has wrapped up a short address.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula briefs the nation on changes to the transport sector during lockdown Level 2...

FAKE NEWS | Alcohol sales ban will not be reinstated, confirms Cogta

Rumours that had surfaced alleging that the ban on the sale of alcohol would be reinstated on Tuesday evening, were not true.

Economic activity picking up, but still 'deeply negative'

South Africa's economic activity is slowly picking up, with the easing of lockdown restrictions, according to data from the SA Reserve Bank.

The central bank on Tuesday released its latest set of business cycle indicators.

In a weekly outlook report ahead of the release, FNB economists said they expected an improvement in the June data, but that it would remain "deeply negative" as the operating environment "remains challenging", despite the easing of restrictions. 

The leading indicator, which signals changes in the economy before they happen, increased by 2.7% in June as seven of the nine components increased. 

Woza Matrics: Motshekga launches free-to-air TV programme ahead of final exams

The Woza Matric class of 2020 catch-up campaign signals a new basic education social compact post-Covid-19, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says.

Woza Matrics will be broadcast on SABC 3, DSTV packages and Openview channel 122 from 08:00 until 10:00 and 13:00 to 15:00 every day. 

The programme will also be available on the DStv Catch Up function on DSTV Now.

How Covid-19 has affected restaurant menus

We’ve already seen most restaurants doing away with physical menus, opting for an online menu on customers’ phones or a menu board. But how have the dishes on the menu been affected? We chatted to some local chefs to find out.

Covid-19 | Hyundai SA donates PPE and sanitizer to Helen Joseph hospital

South Korean carmaker Hyundai announced it donated 10 000 face masks, 7 000 bottles of hand sanitizer and 3 000 sets of protective clothing to the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg to assist them with the treatment of Covid-19 patients.

The donation forms part of Hyundai SA’s contribution to the nationwide drive to treat, contain and eradicate Covid-19 infections, and of the Hyundai Motor Company’s global effort to assist health and community organisations in the fight against the virus.

Man City is calculating if it can buy a R1.4bn Messi within finance rules despite Covid-19

ESPN reports sources at [Manchester] City have said the club wants to be prepared should [Lionel] Messi become available on the transfer market in the coming months.

Despite City recording a revenue of $701 million in 2018/19, according to the BBC, and $656 million the year prior, sources have told ESPN a move for Messi is still unlikely to be viable due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic this year. 

Covid-19 wrap: Global deaths at 812 961, European patients re-infected and Gaza reports first cases

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 23.72 million, death toll at 812 961

More than 23.72 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 812 961 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Two European patients re-infected with coronavirus - reports

Two European patients are confirmed to have been re-infected with the coronavirus, according to regional public broadcasters, raising concerns about people's immunity to the virus as the world struggles to tame the pandemic.

Argentina records record number of coronavirus cases and deaths

The country's health ministry said that just weeks into a stricter quarantine in the capital Buenos Aires and its suburbs, cases were now springing up in other regions of the country.

It put the total caseload at over 350 000, with 7 366 deaths so far.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize confirms Covid-19 antibody tests are now legal

On Monday evening, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced: "Today I am pleased to announce that the director-general for health has issued guidelines for the use of SARS CoV 2 antibody tests and that Sahpra announced its approval of several test kits, both lab based and point of care or bedside rapid tests.

The department's announcement follows a week of confusion in which antibody tests were first advertised by private laboratory companies, and then withdrawn days later, pending the release of a national algorithm.

Children are silent spreaders of Covid-19 virus, new research suggests

A comprehensive study of Covid-19 paediatric patients paints a different picture to previous research suggesting that children are unlikely to catch or spread SARS-CoV-2.

In a comprehensive study of Covid-19 paediatric patients by the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Mass General Hospital for Children (MGHfC), in the United States, researchers in the study found that children may play a larger role in community transmission of the virus than initially thought.

The research team analysed the viral load, immune response and hyperinflammation in 192 paediatric patients between the ages of 0–22. Their paper was published in the Journal of Pediatrics.

Local CEO shares her insights on how lockdown has impacted working moms

For many South Africans, lockdown has meant mastering the fine art of juggling competing priorities: the personal and the professional.

For working moms, who often carry the bulk of childcare responsibilities in the home, the adjustment has not been easy.

"These are not normal work-from-home conditions," local CEO Phillipa Geard tells Parent24, likening lockdown to "an extreme social experiment".

What it's like to be back at the gym: it's eerily quiet and sweat towels are banned

- Virgin Active reopened on Monday for the first time in almost five months. 

- According to government regulations, only 50 members are permitted in a gym at any time, which leaves the vast exercise spaces almost eerily deserted.

Despite not being able to book, I went to my local gym in Wembley Square, Cape Town on Monday afternoon. Fortunately, there wasn't a waiting list or queue.On arrival, I had my temperature checked and hands sanitised.

Usain Bolt tests positive for coronavirus: report

Usain Bolt was in quarantine on Monday as Jamaican media reported the sprint legend had tested positive for the coronavirus, just days after he celebrated his 34th birthday with a lavish party.

The retired 100m and 200m world-record holder didn't confirm his test result, but he urged anyone who had been in contact with him to go into quarantine.

"I did a test on Saturday to leave (Jamaica) because I have work," Bolt said in a video posted on Twitter. "I am trying to be responsible so I am going to stay in and be safe.

Gauteng health MEC says SIU will clear his name in PPE procurement corruption probe

Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku has again denied his involvement in irregular personal protective equipment (PPE) deals.

In a lawyer's letter, dated 24 August 2020, which News24 has seen, Masuku placed it on record he had appeared before the ANC's Provincial Integrity Committee (PIC) in Gauteng and Special Investigative Unit (SIU) in his respective capacities as a provincial executive committee (PEC) member of the ANC in Gauteng and health MEC.

"Our client has in the said forums, categorically denied any involvement in the procurement processes of the department and further confirmed that neither did he instruct any official to do so in his name," the letter read.