LIVE | SA records 740 254 Covid-19 infections and 19 951 deaths

SA death toll at 19 951, while the number of cases now sits at 740 254

South Africa has recorded 106 more Covid-19-related deaths, of which 15 was reported in the past 24-48 hours, taking the number of total fatalities to 19 951, according to Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

"Regrettably, we report 106 Covid-19 related deaths today: 12 from KwaZulu-Natal, 24 from Eastern Cape, 15 from the Free State, 33 from North West, 7 from Gauteng, and 15 from Western Cape. This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 19 951. Of the 106 deaths reported today, 15 were reported to have occurred in the past 24-48 hours: 2 in Eastern Cape, 2 in the Free State, 2 in Gauteng, 1 in KwaZulu Natal, and 8 in Western Cape,” he said in a statement on Tuesday night.

The cumulative number of detected Covid-19 cases is 740 254.

The cumulative number of tests conducted to date is 5 010 350, with 17 269 new tests conducted since the last report. Recoveries now stand at 683 194, which translates to a recovery rate of 92%.

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 50.74 million, death toll at 1 260 738

More than 50.74 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 260 738 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

Global experts cautiously welcome news of top Covid-19 vaccine candidate's effectiveness

US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer says its experimental Covid-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective - news which has been cautiously welcomed by global experts.

There have been more than 50 million Covid-19 cases recorded worldwide, but Monday saw some positive news on the vaccine front.

US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer said its experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective, as the drugmaker and German partner BioNTech SE were the first to release successful data from a large-scale clinical trial of a coronavirus vaccine.

The companies said they have so far found no serious safety concerns, Reuters reported.

"Today is a great day for science and humanity," Albert Bourla, Pfizer's chairperson and chief executive, said.

"We are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development program at a time when the world needs it most with infection rates setting new records, hospitals nearing over-capacity and economies struggling to reopen."

The United States has surpassed 10 million confirmed coronavirus cases

 - There are at least 10 million confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States. 

 - With this new milestone, the country makes up about one-fifth of the world's total cases, according to the latest data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

 - At least 50 million people have been infected with the virus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus a pandemic on 11 March.

Two new cases of Covid-19 in the White House - reports

Washington – Two more people close to US President Donald Trump tested positive for the coronavirus, media reports said on Monday.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson. 69, has contracted the virus, his deputy chief of staff Coalter Baker told NPR.

"He is in good spirits and feels fortunate to have access to effective therapeutics which aid and markedly speed his recovery," Baker said in a statement.

According to ABC television, Carson was briefly treated at Walter Reid military hospital outside Washington DC, where Trump himself was treated for the virus.

Carson had spent Tuesday evening at the White House watching the election results come in.

Another top aide to the president, David Bossie, was also at the White House event and tested positive on Sunday and has been self-isolating at home, NBC news said.

Bossie, 55, was tapped a few days ago to lead the president's legal challenges to the election results.

On Friday, media reported that Trump's chief of staff Mark Meadows had tested positive for the disease after the election. It was not clear when he contracted the virus.

 - AFP

Coronavirus morning recap: Kids and antibodies, vaccination incentives, Covid corruption latest

Different antibodies produced in response to coronavirus in children; expert suggests incentivising people to be vaccinated; and concern over leaked corruption reports.

The new coronavirus spares most children, and researchers of a study may know why. According to their findings, children and adults produce different types and amounts of antibodies in response to infection.

The researchers from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons wrote that the differences in antibodies suggest the period of infection, as well as the immune response, is distinct in children. They also found that most children easily clear the virus from their bodies.

"Our study provides an in-depth examination of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in kids, revealing a stark contrast with adults," Dr Donna Farber, Columbia University immunologist and co-author of the study, said in a news release.

Dr Matteo Porotto, associate professor of viral molecular pathogenesis in Columbia's Department of Pediatrics, led the study with Farber and commented that because children may clear the virus more efficiently than adults, they may not need a strong antibody immune response to get rid of it.

Pfizer's Covid vaccine is 90% effective. Here's how that compares to shots for flu, measles and more

 - Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine candidate is more than 90% effective in preventing Covid-19, the company announced Monday. 

 - The chart shows how the vaccine's efficacy compares to the effectiveness of vaccines for chickenpox, flu, measles, and polio.

Covid vaccines: Top candidate 90% effective, latest on Russia's Sputnik V, and trial starts in SA

A top Covid-19 vaccine candidate shown to be 90% effective, the latest on Russia's Sputnik V, and a critical trial of another vaccine under way in South Africa.

There was promising news on the Covid-19 vaccine front on Monday, both internationally and locally - much needed after global cases recently went past the 50 million mark.

US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, in partnership with Germany's BioNtech were the first drugmakers to release successful data from a large-scale clinical trial of a coronavirus vaccine.

Reuters reported Pfizer as saying that Monday its experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective.

The companies said they have so far found no serious safety concerns and expect to seek US authorisation this month for emergency use of the vaccine.

SA death toll at 19 845, while the number of cases now sits at 738 525

South Africa has recorded 36 more Covid-19-related deaths, of which 13 was reported in the past 24-48 hours, taking the number of total fatalities to 19 845, according to Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

"Regrettably, we report 36 COVID-19 related deaths today: 8 from Eastern Cape, 20 from the Free State, 1 from Gauteng, 1 from Mpumalanga and 6 from Western Cape. This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 19 845. Of the 36 deaths reported today, 13 was reported to have occurred in the past 24-48 hours: 4 in Eastern Cape, 2 in the Free State, 1 in Gauteng and 6 in Western Cape. ,” he said in a statement on Monday night.

The cumulative number of detected Covid-19 cases is 738 525.

The cumulative number of tests conducted to date is 4 993 081, with 12 641 new tests conducted since the last report. Recoveries now stand at 680 726, which translates to a recovery rate of 92%.

#COVID19 Statistics in SA as at 09 November.

Use the COVID Alert SA app to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. Start using this privacy preserving app today. Add your phone to the fight! Download the Covid Alert SA app now! https://t.co/8YKEqaiiRF pic.twitter.com/XhPOIHcCR1

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

[VIDEO] Antigen tests can show if someone has the new #coronavirus in as little as 15 minutes. Here are the ins and outs of how they work. | @Bhekisisa_MGhttps://t.co/T8HxZgjVQS

— News24 (@News24) November 9, 2020

https://t.co/By0KBr5HQV | Matric pupils who test Covid-19 positive will write exams at churches, hospitals, says DBE https://t.co/bA0NxxPwLz

— News24 (@News24) November 9, 2020

The World Health Organization's chief on Monday called on everyone to keep fighting Covid-19, warning that while we may be sick of battling the pandemic, the virus is "not tired of us".

Speaking to WHO's main annual assembly, which resumed on Monday after being cut short in May, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also hailed the election of Joe Biden as the next US president, voicing hope it could signal tighter global cooperation to end the pandemic.

It was vital, he said, for people to follow the science and resist the urge to turn a blind eye to the virus."We might be tired of Covid-19. But it is not tired of us," he said.

https://t.co/By0KBr5HQV | World may be tired, but virus 'not tired of us': WHO chief https://t.co/azvr54CAwU

— News24 (@News24) November 9, 2020

Second Covid-19 wave coming? No clarity, no information as Abdool Karim and the MAC go to ground

It has been weeks since President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the country on the status of the Covid-19 epidemic and measures needed to keep transmission rates low.

A lack of transparency over what scientists appointed to advise the government are saying is fuelling concerns that health officials are continuing to place a stranglehold on data and information.

Official, reported data shows at least one province – the Eastern Cape – is in the grip of a "second wave".

SA death toll at 19 809, while the number of cases now sits at 737 278

South Africa has recorded 20 more Covid-19-related deaths, of which 1 was reported in the past 24-48 hours, taking the number of total fatalities to 19 809, according to Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

"Regrettably, we report 20 Covid-19 related deaths today: 19 from Eastern Cape and 1 from Gauteng. This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 19 809. Of the 20 deaths reported today, 1 was reported to have occurred in the past24-48 hours in Gauteng,” he said in a statement on Thursday night.

The cumulative number of detected Covid-19 cases is 737 278.

The cumulative number of tests conducted to date is 4 980 440, with 17 266 new tests conducted since the last report. Recoveries now stand at 679 688, which translates to a recovery rate of 92%.

As of today, the total number of confirmed #COVID19 cases is 737 278, the total number of deaths is 19 809 the total number of recoveries is 679 688. pic.twitter.com/GjYnlBiAEi

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) November 8, 2020

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:

50 million cases

The United States remains the most affected country, with 237 123 deaths. The countries with the next-highest death tolls are Brazil with 162 269, India with 126 121, and Mexico with 94 808.

Biden to name scientist

President-elect Joe Biden vows to name a group of top scientists to his coronavirus task force as early as Monday, making the pledge during his first speech since being projected as winner of the US election.

Portugal curfew

Portugal will introduce a curfew across most of the country from Monday in an effort to combat surging case numbers, Prime Minister Antonio Costa announces.

School meals U-turn

The UK government caves in to a campaign by Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, promising to give free meals to poorer children over the coronavirus-afflicted Christmas holidays and beyond.

The government has already made one U-turn over the free school meals scheme for the summer holidays.

UK honours war dead on virus-hit Remembrance Day

Britain falls in tribute to its war dead as royals and politicians commemorate a low-key Remembrance Day without the usual solemn pageantry, owing to the pandemic.

Gymnastics showing the way

A gymnastics competition in Japan provides a glimpse of what the delayed Tokyo Olympics may look like next summer as fans attend the country's first international sporting competition since the shutdown.

The gymnastics "Friendship and Solidarity Competition" gathers around 30 athletes from Japan, China, Russia and the US to compete in tightly controlled bio-secure conditions.

- AFP, Reuters

As of today, the cumulative number of detected COVID-19 cases is 735 906 with 1731 new cases identified.

40 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported today: 21 from Eastern Cape, 2 from Gauteng, 7 from the Free State, 6 from KwaZulu Natal and 4 from Western Cape.

This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 19 789.

Of the 40 deaths reported today, 11 were reported to have occurred in the past 24-48 hours: 4 in the Free State, 1 in Gauteng, 2 in KwaZulu Natal, 1 in Eastern Cape and 3 in Western Cape.

Recoveries now stand at 678 738 which translates to a recovery rate of 92%.

Poland reports record daily increase in coronavirus cases

Poland reported a record 27,875 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, taking the total number of reported cases over 500 000 as new restrictions came into force to curb the pandemic's spread.

Infections have risen sharply over the last month, with doctors telling Polish media that the country is running out of hospital beds, ventilators and medics.

On Friday, Poland saw a record 445 coronavirus-related deaths. On Saturday, the country recorded 349.

The restrictions include shutting most shops in shopping malls, theatres, museums and galleries from Saturday onwards, but the government has insisted it wants to avoid a total lockdown.

Poland has 20 249 occupied hospital beds out of 30,896 available for Covid-19 patients.

Some 1 813 of its 2 357 ventilators are in use, health ministry data showed.

On Friday, the government introduced new economic support measures amounting to 9-10 billion zlotys to help businesses weather the second wave of the pandemic.

Reuters

Another 72 confirmed deaths linked to Covid-19

Another 72 deaths related to Covid-19 were recorded on Friday, with seven having occurred in the past 24 to 48 hours.

Twenty-five of the people who died were from the Eastern Cape, seven from Gauteng, nine from the Free State, eight from KwaZulu-Natal, 16 from Limpopo, three from the Northern Cape, and four from the Western Cape.

Covid-19 wrap | Coronavirus record in the US, lockdown in Italy, Austria looks to spend billions

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis.

Philippines reports 2 092 new coronavirus cases, 52 deaths

The Philippine health ministry on Friday recorded 2 092 new coronavirus infections and 52 more deaths.

The ministry said total confirmed cases have increased to 391 809 while deaths have reached 7 461, a fifth of those in the past month.

- Reuters

Russia reports record high of 20 582 new coronavirus cases

Russia reported a record high of 20,582 new coronavirus cases on Friday, including 6 253 infections in Moscow, bringing the national tally to 1 733 440.

Authorities also reported 378 coronavirus-related deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the official death toll to 29 887.

- Reuters

China bars arrivals from France over virus fears

Beijing on Thursday banned foreign arrivals from France and a host of other countries, the latest in a growing number of entry bans as China closes itself off from a world still battling the coronavirus pandemic.

Covid-19 first emerged in central China late last year, but Beijing has largely brought its outbreak under control through tight travel restrictions and stringent health measures for anyone entering the country.

In March, as the virus ripped across the world, China shut its borders to all foreign nationals, although it had gradually eased the restrictions in recent months.

But in a sharp about-turn, Chinese embassies in countries including Britain, Belgium, India and the Philippines said this week that Beijing had decided to "temporarily suspend" entries by non-Chinese nationals.

- AFP

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 21 506 - RKI 

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 21 506 to 619 089, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday.

- Reuters

FACTBOX | Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 48.63 million, death toll at 1 232 281

More than 48.63 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 232 281 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

SA death toll at 19 677, while the number of cases now sits at 732 414

South Africa has recorded 92 more Covid-19-related deaths, of which 23 was reported in the past 24-48 hours, taking the number of total fatalities to 19 677, according to Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

“Regrettably, we report 92 Covid-19 related deaths today: 27 from Eastern Cape, 7 from Gauteng, 17 from the Free State, 4 from KwaZulu-Natal, 1 from Mpumalanga, 23 from North West, 8 from Northern Cape and 5 from Western Cape.

"Of the 92 deaths reported today, 23 were reported to have occurred in the past 24-48 hours: 4 in the Free State, 9 in Eastern Cape, 5 in Gauteng, 1 in Northern Cape and 4 in Western Cape,” he said in a statement on Thursday night.

The cumulative number of tests conducted to date is 4 917 625, with 23 942 new tests conducted since the last report. Recoveries now stand at 671 579, which translates to a recovery rate of 91.7%.

As of today, the total number of confirmed #COVID19 cases is 732 414, the total number of deaths is 19 677 and the total number of recoveries is 671 579. pic.twitter.com/0FlKaaL9g4

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) November 5, 2020

German coronavirus cases hit new record as shoppers stockpile again

Germany's daily new coronavirus infections hit a record high on Thursday as data showed shoppers had stocked up on toilet paper, hand sanitiser and baking ingredients ahead of new lockdown measures that took effect this week.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 19 990 to 596 583, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Thursday.

The Statistics Office said rising coronavirus cases and the new partial lockdown, which took effect from 2 November, had increased the demand for some hygiene articles and foodstuffs in the second half of October.

- Reuters

Russia reports 19 404 new coronavirus cases, 292 deaths

Russia reported 19 404 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, close to a record high that included 5 255 infections in Moscow and took the national tally to 1 712 858.

Authorities also reported 292 virus-related deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the official death toll to 29 509.

- Reuters

Covid-19 wrap | Swedish PM isolates, US coronavirus record, and Australia makes a vaccine deal

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis.

Ukraine reports record daily high new coronavirus cases - minister

Ukraine registered a record 9 850 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, the health minister said on Thursday, up from a high of 9 524 reported a day earlier.

Total infections stood at 430 467 with 7 924 deaths by Thursday, Maksym Stepanov said.

- Reuters

India reports daily jump of 50 210 coronavirus infections

India reported a daily jump of 50 210 coronavirus infections, taking its total to 8.36 million, the health ministry said on Thursday.

This was the highest daily jump in cases since 25 October, according to a Reuters tally.

Cases in India have been dipping since hitting a peak in September, but experts warn that the Diwali festival season could lead to a spike.

Deaths rose by 704, with total mortalities now at 124 315, the ministry said.

- Reuters

US sets new record for increase in Covid-19 cases day after election

The United States set a one-day record for new coronavirus cases on Wednesday with at least 102 591 new infections and as hospitals in several states reported a rising tide of patients, according to a Reuters tally.

Nine states reported record one-day increases in cases on Wednesday: Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin.

The pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of American life, including a record number of voters mailing in their ballots in Tuesday's presidential election, whose outcome has yet to be decided.

In addition to rising cases, on Tuesday hospitalisations topped 50 000 for the first time in three months. Hospitalisation are a key metric because they are not impacted by the amount of testing done.

- Reuters

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 19 990 - RKI

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 19 990 to 597 583, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Thursday.

The reported death toll rose by 118 to 10,930, the tally showed.

- Reuters

Australia signs two more Covid-19 vaccine deals

Australia has agreed to purchase another 50 million doses of two more Covid-19 vaccines, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday, as Canberra aims to complete a mass inoculation programme within months.

Australia in September said it had agreed to spend A$1.7 billion ($1.2 billion) to buy 85 million vaccine doses from AstraZeneca and CSL Ltd should the trails prove successful.

But seeking to maximise access to potential vaccines, Australia said on Thursday it had also agreed to purchase two other inoculations.

Australia would buy 40 million doses from Novavax and 10 million from Pfizer and BioNTech, Morrison said.

- Reuters

SA death toll at 19 585, while the number of cases now sits at 730 548

South Africa has recorded 46 more Covid-19-related deaths, of which 9 was reported in the past 24-48 hours, taking the number of total fatalities to 19 585, according to Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

“Regrettably, we report 46 Covid-19 related deaths today: 24 from Eastern Cape, 9 from Gauteng, 3 from the Free State, 5 from KwaZulu-Natal, 1 from Northern Cape and 4 from Western Cape. This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 19 585.

"Of the 46 deaths reported today, 9 were reported to have occurred in the past 24-48 hours: 1 in the Free State, 2 in Eastern Cape, 2 in Gauteng, 1 in Northern Cape and 3 in Western Cape ,” he said in a statement on Monday night.

The cumulative number of tests conducted to date is 4 893 683, with 25 073 new tests conducted since the last report. Recoveries now stand at 660 185, which translates to a recovery rate of 90%.

Covid-19 wrap | Coronavirus cases head to 50 million, record in Bulgaria and Russia

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis.

Poland to announce new restrictions to curb Covid-19 on Wednesday 

Poland will announce more restrictions on Wednesday to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the prime minister's chief of staff Michal Dworczyk said.

Poland has faced a spike in infections, with the latest record in daily cases - 21 897 - reported on Saturday.

The country is running out of hospital beds, ventilators, oxygen and medics.

"The situation is serious and today the prime minister will announce further restrictions, decisions that would limit our functioning, the number of social contacts," Dworczyk told a catholic radio Siodma9.

- Reuters

Italy to impose anti-virus night curfew

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has signed a decree to enforce night curfews from 21:00 GMT on Thursday in a bid to stop the resurgence of coronavirus, media reported.

Conte was expected to detail on Wednesday other anti-Covid-19 measures, such as shutting shopping centres, to remain in force until 3 December.

- AFP

India records 46 253 new coronavirus cases 

India recorded 46 253 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, health ministry data showed on Wednesday, with cases rising again in some parts including the capital New Delhi.

With 8.3 million confirmed coronavirus cases, India is the world's second most affected country, behind only the United States.

But the spread has slowed down since a September peak, and the country has reported less than 50 000 infections daily for 10 straight days.

- Reuters

Anger at second virus closing time for English pubs

English pubs call last orders at the bar for a month on Wednesday evening, as the country effectively shuts down for the second time this year to try to cut coronavirus cases.

Pub owners and industry organisations are angry and concerned at the move, warning that after struggling with the first lockdown, it could cause many pubs to call "time" for good.

"Make no mistake, this could be the final straw for thousands of pubs and brewers," said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association.

- AFP

Hungary foreign minister tests positive for coronavirus, MTI reports

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto tested positive for the coronavirus, state news agency MTI reported on Wednesday, adding that the minister, who is on an official visit to Thailand, has no symptoms.

- Reuters

Covid-19 wrap | Coronavirus record in Spain, warnings in the UK, and curfews in Europe

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis.