Here’s what made the headlines on Friday

Scientists advising the government’s Covid-19 response plan say that the hard lockdown did not succeed in suppressing transmissions. This is according to recommendations by the Ministerial Advisory Committee, which were made public on Thursday.

The recommendations also say that MAC advised the government to allow schools to return a full two months before the government allowed the return. The advisory body unanimously decided that schools should return, according to a report dated 25 May.

The reports also say that scientists advised a haltin of mass Covid-19 testing, but the government persisted with it regardless. The advisory committee, back in May, advised the government to limit the number of tests done through its community screening programme because the high number of samples would create a backlog.

In other news, South African rugby is closer to a return to action after the announcement that franchise teams can return to full-contact training from next week. SA Rugby said that it had completed final health checks.

Movie theatres finally reopened on Friday. Channel24 goes inside movie screenings under the new normal.

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
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- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay

Brazil official in Covid-19 graft scandal, lockdown batters India's economy - International Covid-19 news

The nationwide shutdown was lifted in phases starting on 8 June, but virus cases have surged past 3.3 million, making India the third-worst affected country globally. Some states, like Punjab, have decided to maintain some restrictions, and Navyug's 35 workers are afraid to return until the virus has been brought under control, he says.

Norway will not yet ease restrictions designed to counter Covid-19 even through the spread has been slower recently, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Friday.

A Brazilian court temporarily removed Rio de Janeiro state's governor from office on Friday over alleged graft in the purchase of medical supplies and services to fight the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Greek government said Friday it would extend a lockdown imposed on migrants living in camps on its Aegean islands and eastern frontier until 15 September as coronavirus cases mount.

SA scientists to explore asymptomatic spread of the Covid-19 virus in the country

A new study aims to find out how effectively SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted in rural and urban households in the country, adding to global knowledge.

The study will focus on transmission of the virus via asymptomatic (producing or showing no symptoms) people, and how the virus interacts with other pathogens.

'My boss says I will bring corona from outside': Live-in domestic workers are being denied the right to leave

While the lockdown initially helped South African medical services to prepare for an influx of Covid-19 patients, the regulations have now mostly lifted and we have many of our freedoms back.

A domestic worker wrote to Parent24 this week, revealing that she has not been allowed to leave her home, which is also her place of employment, since March.

Why does Covid-19 hit men harder than women? The immune system reveals some clues

There is mounting evidence that gender differences can affect the outcome of Covid-19. Viral load, antibodies and other immune responses may offer clues.

One of the things that researchers are observing in Covid-19 is that it seems to affect men more severely than women. There are several theories, including research suggesting that oestrogen may protect women against Covid-19.

Covid-19 wrap: Global cases cross 24.4m, US breaches 180 000 deaths and Latin America cases pass 7m

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

US surpasses 180 000 virus deaths - Johns Hopkins

The United States passed the grim milestone of 180 000 coronavirus deaths on Thursday, according to Johns Hopkins University's real-time tracker.

The US added 931 new virus deaths in 24 hours, the Baltimore-based university reported at 20:30 (00:30 GMT Friday), bringing the total death toll to 180 527.

Russia's coronavirus cases surpass 980 000

Russia reported 4 829 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Friday, bringing its nationwide tally to 980 405, the fourth largest caseload in the world.

Russia's coronavirus task force said 110 people had died over the last 24 hours, pushing its official death toll to 16 914.

Rwanda again tightens Covid-19 measures as cases surge

Rwanda has lengthened its evening curfew and prevented movement in and out of the western area of Rusizi after a recent surge in cases of the new coronavirus.

Rwanda was one of the first to impose strict lockdown measures in Africa, on 22 March, when it had only 19 cases, and partially lifted the measures on 1 May, when it had officially recorded 225 cases and zero deaths.

China reports 9 new mainland Covid-19 cases vs 8 a day earlier

China reported nine new Covid-19 cases in the mainland on 27 August, compared with eight a day earlier, the country's health authority said on Friday.

The National Health Commission said in a statement that all new infections were imported cases involving travellers from overseas, marking the 12th consecutive day of no local transmissions.

Level 2: Some Home Affairs services reopen, more than 800 000 cross border since March

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has announced the resumption of certain services during Level 2 of the lockdown, as well as the extension of the expiry date for certain temporary IDs.

He also said that while South Africa's borders had been closed since the lockdown came into effect, over 839 000 people who were exempt from the closures, had been allowed to cross the border.

If you applied for a passport before lockdown you may now be able to collect it at some banks

South Africa's borders remain closed for most travellers, and for the time being the department of home affairs will not be accepting applications for new passports, home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi said on Friday.

But some people who applied for passports before lockdown started may now be able to collect their documents.

A passenger who tested positive for Covid-19 was removed from a plane by officials in hazmat suits

In the video shared on Twitter Wednesday, officials in hazmat suits appear to be talking with one of the passengers as a flight attendant makes her way through the aisle.

Scientists advised a halt to mass Covid-19 testing, but officials persisted, newly released advisories show

Health officials continued to collect vast numbers of samples to be tested for Covid-19 from community screening programmes, despite scientific advice telling them to stop, or risk placing laboratories under unbearable strain.

The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19 advised the Department of Health on 18 May to stop the practice of collecting thousands of samples as part of community screening and move to prioritising testing in hotspot areas, due to the global strain on the availability of testing materials and kits.

MAC advised pupils' return to school 'as soon as possible' 2 months before closure

The Ministerial Advisory Committee recommended pupils should return to school as soon as possible two months before the government decided to close them for a second time.

Schools, taxis and Level 4: MAC advisories reveal how government sidestepped scientists

South Africa's lockdown did not result in a reduction of the transmission rate of Covid-19 because testing and contact tracing were never scaled up, experts told government.

Latest Covid-19 numbers: 618 286 cases, 13 628 deaths and an 86% recovery rate

South Africa's recovery rate for Covid-19 is still improving and stands at 86%, well above the global average of 65%.

Coronavirus morning update: SA faces high debt, and stolen Covid-19 PPE money 'will be recovered'

The president warns that paying SA's debt could cost more than its healthcare spend, and Covid-19 PPE money stolen from the state "will be recovered".

The Covid-19 death toll has hit 13 628, while the number of cases now sits at 618 286.

The number of recoveries is at 531 338 - a recovery rate of 86%.

Here’s what made the headlines on Thursday

Health minister Zweli Mkhize has finally made public advisories made by the Ministerial Advisory Committee. These recommendations on reopening schools, mass testing, the using of masks, and the like. News24 had previously failed in an application to gain access to these recommendations.

Included in the released information is that MAC scientists stood firm behind the notion that taxis should operate at only 70% capacity. Despite this, government allowed them to operate at 100% capacity.

Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu has assured the public that money stolen from the state by companies inflating prices for protective gear to fight Covid-19 will be recovered. He said a team made up of different law enforcement agencies to investigate the corruption will report to President Cyril Ramamphosa in September.

An Australian man, who is stuck in Thailand, is unable to enter South Africa to meet his newborn son - and he has turned to the High Court. Luc Osstyn is married to a South African woman. He has taken the Department of Home Affairs to court to get him to be able to enter the country.

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 hits remote tribe, Spain tightens curbs in schools - International Covid-19 news

Four members of a dwindling tribe in India's far off Andaman Islands have tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Thursday as the country reported 75 760 new infections, the highest-single-day rise.

Spanish schoolchildren aged six and over must wear masks to class, the government announced on Thursday, unveiling a plan to reopen schools just days before the start of the new academic year.

Face masks must be worn everywhere in the French capital Paris from Friday morning in order to curb a surge in coronavirus infections, police said on Thursday.

Bangladesh has approved a late-stage trial of a potential Covid-19 vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd in the hope of being a priority recipient for the jab, the health minister said on Thursday.

'Reckless behaviour' of some in society could hinder fight against Covid-19 - Cabinet

As Cabinet has welcomed the country’s move to Alert Level 2 of the lockdown, they have warned that the fight against the virus could be hindered by the reckless behaviour of some in society.

Cabinet's message was shared by Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday.

"Do the right thing to avoid a second peak; government is working with social partners and communities to ensure that districts are adequately resourced and organised to contain the spread of the coronavirus."

"Our nation has made significant strides in fighting the pandemic... It is because of all our... contributions that we have seen infections going down in our country, and we are proud that we have been able to confront this disease," Mthembu said.

"That we are in level 2 does not mean the threat of infection has disappeared. We must all maintain social-distancing, wear our masks regularly and regularly wash our hands or use an alcohol-based hand-sanitiser" said the Mthembu.

This, he said, will see the country make great strides towards avoiding a second wave of infection.

Cabinet also reiterated its commitment to ensure that allegations of corruption relating to Covid-19 procurement are swiftly investigated by law enforcement agencies.

New Zealand is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to secure a Covid-19 vaccine

On Thursday local time, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the country would be investing hundreds of millions of dollars to make sure the country got access to a vaccine as soon as it's available, according to the NZ Herald. 

NTA calls for reconsideration of 70% long-distance capacity to ‘avoid a fallout’

The National Taxi Alliance on Wednesday called on Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula to "consider the plight" of long-distance taxi operators, saying it was "grossly disappointed" that under the amended transport regulations, the government did not lift the 70% loading capacity or relax restrictions on cross-border taxis.

Lockdown visa: Father rejected from entering SA - to meet his newborn son

A Cape Town mother has made a desperate plea for her Australian husband to be permitted into South Africa to meet their newborn son.The case has been taken to the High Court.

Almost six weeks after his child entered the world, Luc Osstyn has yet to meet his son for the first time – and be reunited with his wife, Jade van Ryneveld.

The painful separation saga is now being fought by the couple in the Western Cape High Court – to challenge the Department of Home Affairs' refusal to let Osstyn enter.

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.