LIVE | Covid-19 in SA: Cases jump by 15 046 as death toll hits 33 579

SA's latest Covid-19 numbers

There have been 15 046 new Covid-19 infections, taking the tally to 1 246 643. The death toll is now at 33 579, after 416 more deaths - 163 of which were in the Eastern Cape.

ICYMI | Ramaphosa announces continuation of lockdown measures, closes land border posts, alcohol still banned

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the country will continue in lockdown Level 3, and has announced a new curfew of between 21:00 and 05:00. The sale of alcohol remains banned.

Ramaphosa also announced a closure of all land border posts coming into South Africa - including the Beitbridge post - which has been seen to be congested and is a risk of spreading Covid-19.

He also warned that funerals were seen to be so-called superspreader events, and cautioned the public about enclosed gatherings. Gatherings, apart from special circumstances, remain prohibited.

He added that there was not yet a decision on the reopening of schools.

Ramaphosa also talked tough against people who have been circulating conspiracy theories and misinformation about the potential vaccine. He sought to assure the public about the government's rollout of the vaccine.

Ramaphosa was addressing the nation on lockdown measures to curb the Covid-19 virus. It was his fourth address of this kind just over a month.

He last week said priority one for the government in 2021 was Covid-19, which he said was threatening the economy, warning that the second wave may be deadlier than the first.

This comes as the number of new infections rise by the tens of thousands per day, and as SA battles a new variant of Covid-19, which is said to transfer faster.

Game changer

Ramaphosa said an effective vaccine will be "a game changer in our fight against Covid-19."

He said our scientists say we will reach herd immunity once about 67% of our population is vaccinated. "We have put in place a comprehensive vaccination strategy to reach all parts of the country."

He said it will likely be the biggest logistical undertaking in the country's history.

The country will be procuring vaccines via the Covax programme, the African Union's vaccine initiative, and through direct engagements with vaccine manufacturers.

Phase one of the vaccine rollout will go toward frontline healthworkers. Phase two will target essential workers (police, teachers, etc.) and people in old age homes, shelters, prisons, and adults with comorbidities. Phase three will target the remaining adult population. At this point, we would have reached about 40 million South Africans.

He said people in the country have been seen to be sceptical about vaccines and there is "much disinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines." Ramaphosa says vaccines have been seen to eradicate several diseases in history. He says most South Africans have been vaccinated at one time or another.

Second pandemic

Meanwhile, the president also spoke about the “second pandemic” of gender-based violence, saying that there was a drive to sensitise men and religious leaders about gender norms and the patriarchy. He said religious leaders will be told about reporting cases of gender-based violence. 

Ramaphsoa in closing said: "The coronavirus storm is much fiercer than any that we've known before. We are now in the centre of that storm. We do not know how much longer it will last... but we know what we need to do to weather the storm and protect ourselves. We know what we need to do as a nation to overcome the pandemic.

"We need to, therefore, act with common purpose. If we work together and maintain our resolve, we will attain the new year we all want. We will also be able to rebuild our lives and our nation."

- Kerushun Pillay

Ramaphosa: "The coronavirus storm is much fiercer than any that we've known before. We are now in the centre of that storm. We do not know how much longer it will last... but we know what we need to do to weather the storm and protect ourselves. We know what we need to do as a nation to overcome the pandemic. 

"We need to, therefore, act with common purpose. If we work together and maintain our resolve, we will attain the new year we all want. We will also be able to rebuild our lives and our nation."

Ramaphosa has wrapped up his address

He says SA is in the process of ratifying a plan to ensure safety for women in the workplace. 

Ramaphosa takes his focus to violence against women and children. 

He says government is working against this "second pandemic", saying that efforts are being taken to "sensitise" people about gender norms, toxic masculinity and gender violence to change the behaviour of men in our society. 

He says faith-based organisations have begun a process to sensitise faith leaders about the patriarchy and gender violence, including reporting cases of violence. 

Ramaphosa assures the nation: "We will do everything to ensure the process is transparent and is handled efficiently and information is made available to South Africans.

"Although [the vaccine rollout] will be difficult, it is vital that we do this together for the sake of our country."

The president says the government will engage with stakeholders to ensure accurate information on the vaccine is disseminated.

He says people in the country are sceptical about vaccines and there is "much disinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines." Ramaphosa says vaccines have been seen to eradicate several diseases in history. He says most South Africans have been vaccinated at one time or another. 

Ramaphosa says the government has established a coordinating committee to ensure the rollout of the vaccine. 

He says vaccinations will be administered through private doctors, pharmacies, work places, public healthcare facilities, and mobile clinics. 

Ramaphosa says we have secured 20 million doses to initially arrive in the country. 

"We are in daily and constant negotiations and contact with all these manufacturers."

Part two of the vaccine strategy, he says, is to identify groups who need it the most. Phase one will go toward frontline healthworkers. Phase two will target essential workers (police, teachers, etc.) and people in old age homes, shelters, prisons, and adults with comorbidities. Phase three will target the remaining adult population. At this point, we would have reached about 40 million South Africans. 

The country will be procuring vaccines via the Covax programme, the African Union's vaccine initiative, and through direct engagements with vaccine manufacturers.

Ramaphosa says we will receive vaccine doses for about 10% of our population from the Covax programme. 

He says there has been a task team set up for African countries to obtain the vaccine, at the African Union level. He says Africa will likely need about 1 billion doses to immunise 67% of the population. 

Ramaphosa moves to vaccinations. He says an effective vaccine will be "a game changer in our fight against Covid-19."

He says our scientists say we will reach herd immunity once about 67% of our population is vaccinated. "We have put in place a comprehensive vaccination strategy to reach all parts of the country."

He says it will likely be the biggest logistical undertaking in the country's history. 

JUST IN | Ramaphosa says there has not been a decision made on the reopening of schools

He adds that companies need to adhere to safety measures. 

Ramaphosa says the lockdown measures will remain in place until there is proof that the cases are dropping and the demand on hospitals become alleviated. 

The president commended religious leaders for abiding with lockdown measures. 

He says religious gatherings can be dangerous since they occur in enclosed spaces with large groups. He says govt will continue to engage with religious leaders to see the best way forward. 

BREAKING | Govt closes all land border posts

Ramaphosa speaks about congestions at border posts.

He says, to reduce congestion, the 20 land ports that are currently opened will now be closed until 15 February. This includes Beitbridge and Maseru bridge.

People will still be allowed to cross the border to transport fuel, commuting for school, repatriations. 

JUST IN | Level 3 lockdown will continue

Ramaphosa says the govt has reviewed the measures enforced during the Level 3 lockdown. After consultations it has been decided: 

*Level 3 is set to continue;
*Most indoor and outdoor gatherings will not be permitted, including political, sports and religious gatherings;
*Funerals may not be attended by more than 50 people;
*Curfew hours are between 21:00 to 05:00;
*It remains compulsory to wear a mask;
*Sale of alcohol and on-site consumption is still banned, adding that the alcohol ban "significantly" reduced trauma cases at hospitals;
*Beaches, parks and pools in hotspot areas remain closed.

Ramaphosa says we must avoid unnecessary interactions with people, flagging that funerals are being seen as so-called superspreader events. 

He says we "simply cannot continue" doing this. "We are in the grip of a deadly pandemic and all those activities that would usually take place are increasing our risk."

Ramaphosa says many who have died of Covid-19 picked the virus up at a funeral. "Funerals have become a death-trap for many of our people."

He says: "If we act with urgency and purpose, we will be able to save more lives, to rebuild our economy. To slow the rate of transmissions, we have all the tools - we know what we need to do as individuals, as families, as companies..."

Ramaphosa reminds the public that wearing a mask is crucial. 

Ramaphosa says: "We must never see ourselves as being totally helpless. Our actions do have an impact on the extent of the disease. We have shown that, when we are able to work together, we can make a difference. As we begin this new year, let us set out a new path of working together."

The president says "we must do everything possible" to flatten the curve and slow the rate of infection. "Secondly, we will undertake a massive programme of vaccination so we can achieve immunity."

He says additional vacancies for health workers are being filled, and there is a drive to secure more oxygen. 

He says the surge in cases has been caused by the new variant that hit SA in November last year. "We do know that the new variant tends to spread much faster... this explains the fact that many more people have become infected in a shorter period of time."

He says the hospitals are filling up more rapidly because of this. But he says the new variant can still be prevented using physical distancing, practicing good hygiene and the like. 

Ramaphosa says hospital admissions are much higher now than in the first wave. "There are more than 15 000 people with Covid-19 in hospitals nationally, placing a strain on the hospitals. More than a third of patients are on oxygen."

He says there have been more than 190 000 new infections since New Year's Day. Since the start of the pandemic, there has been more than 1.2 million cases, and more than 33 000 deaths and more than 148 000 people admitted to hospital. 

Ramaphosa says KZN leads the country, followed by WC, Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. 

New infections in KZN is growing fast and has exceeded the peak seen in the first wave.

Ramaphosa says the new year has begun, and we enter this year with a great deal of hope. He says the new year has come with hope that lives and livlihoods will be rebuilt. 

But, he says, we need to unite to overcome the "deep and persistent" Covid-19 crisis.

Ramaphosa has begun his address…

Ramaphosa to address the nation at 20:00

President Cyril Ramaphosa will once again address the nation on its lockdown measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

This will be the fourth address on the lockdown in just over a month.

The country has been shifted into lockdown Level 3, which means tighter curfews, a clampdown on public gatherings, and the banning of the sale of alcohol.

News24 reported earlier today that Ramaphosa is expected to announce a continuation of these restrictions.

Ramaphosa said last week that Covid-19 was priority number one for the government in 2021. The country has also announced that it will be getting its first consignment of vaccines in a few weeks.

South Africa is also battling a new variant of the virus, which is said to possibly be spreading faster and is having a critical effect on patients who do not have comorbidities. This variant has been seen in several other countries.

You can follow his address live on News24.

Ramaphosa expected to extend current lockdown restrictions, continue clampdown on alcohol

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to announce an extension of current Covid-19 restrictions for another month, following a series of meetings and consultations with relevant structures.

Despite a court application by SA Breweries (SAB), there will be a continuation of the restrictions on the sale of alcohol beyond 15 January.

News24 understands that a curfew will remain in place and that restrictions on gatherings will continue.

South Africa's Covid-19 death toll has surpassed 33 000 on Sunday, according to a statement released by Health Minister Zweli Mhkize.

"Regrettably, we report a further 339 Covid-19 related deaths: Eastern Cape 77, Free State 19, Gauteng 28, KwaZulu-Natal 71, Limpopo 14, Mpumalanga 10, Northern Cape 7 and Western Cape 113. This brings the total deaths to 33 163," said Mhkize.

Covid-19 infections increased by 17 412, taking the total cases to 1 231 597.

A cumulative total of 7 183 893 tests have been completed with 63 046 tests conducted since Saturday.

Our recoveries now stand at 966 368, representing a recovery rate of 78.4%

As of today, the total number of confirmed #COVID19 cases is 1 231 596, the total number of deaths is 33 163 and the total number of recoveries is 966 368. pic.twitter.com/xQhPwVA4Bo

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) January 10, 2021

Israel is leading the world in terms of its vaccination rate, with nearly 20 people in every hundred having received a dose.

The global effort to vaccinate people against Covid-19 began in early December. Since then, more than 40 countries have started administering coronavirus jabs among their populations.

The United Arab Emirates has achieved the second-highest vaccination rate at 8.98 per 100 people, while Bahrain comes third at 4.25.

France, where the government has been heavily criticised for a sluggish start to its vaccine rollout, lags behind most European countries with a vaccination rate of 0.07 per 100 people.

The vaccination data illustrates that rich and middle-income countries have secured almost all the available vaccine supply to date.

Tracking Covid-19 vaccines – here are the countries that have administered the most doses | @BISouthAfrica https://t.co/gqqSbR36NO pic.twitter.com/hDG1seP6q5

— News24 (@News24) January 10, 2021

Russia confirms first case of new UK virus strain

Moscow on Sunday confirmed its first case of the new UK coronavirus strain, despite an earlier decision by officials to suspend flights from Britain to stop the mutation reaching Russia.

One person returning to Russia from the UK was found to have been infected with the new strain, the head of Russia's health regulator Rospotrebnadzor told state-run television.

Watchdog head Anna Popova did not specify when the individual tested positive for coronavirus or any other circumstances surrounding the discovery.

The B117 coronavirus strain is thought to have first emerged in southeastern England late last year, and has since been detected in dozens of countries around the world.

Officials in Moscow temporarily suspended flights to and from the UK in December, following a similar move by dozens of other countries in the wake of the emergence of the new strain.

Russia has one of the highest infection rates in the world and officials on Sunday confirmed a total of nearly 3.5 million cases.

Health officials last month admitted the country's virus toll was much higher than previously reported, making Russia the third-worst hit globally.

The Kremlin has placed its hope on the homegrown Sputnik V vaccine to counter the pandemic instead of the return to lockdown measures being imposed in many other European countries.

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:

German virus deaths top 40 000

The total number of Germany's coronavirus deaths crosses 40 000 Sunday, as Chancellor Angela Merkel warns that worse is to come.

In her weekly video message Saturday, Merkel said the full impact of socialising over the Christmas and New Year's period was yet to show up in the statistics.

Belgium virus deaths pass 20 000

Coronavirus deaths in Belgium pass 20 000, health officials say Sunday, with more than half the victims from retirement care homes.

The country of 11.5 million people has one of the highest death rates from the pandemic in the world, with 1 725 per 100 000 people, according to an AFP tally.

More than 1.9 million people dead worldwide

The pandemic has killed more than 1.9 million people worldwide, according to a tally compiled by AFP using official sources and information from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The United States is the country most affected with more than 372 000 deaths, followed by Brazil (more than 202 000), India (over 150 000), Mexico (over 132 000) and the United Kingdom (over 80 000).

$1bn raised for 'vulnerable' countries

Britain says it has helped raise $1 billion from global donors to help "vulnerable countries" access coronavirus vaccines, by match-funding contributions from other countries.

It has also committed 548 million to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), says Britain's Foreign Office.

France extends curfew restrictions

France extends its longer overnight curfew restrictions to eight more departments from Sunday, including second city Marseille, after a family cluster of the mutation identified in the UK is found there.

Quebec starts overnight curfew

The Canadian province of Quebec starts an overnight 8-5 curfew to try to curb the spread of the virus.

One on this scale has not been ordered in Canada since a devastating flu swept the globe a century ago, according to historians.

Vaccine scepticism 'suicidal denial', says pope

Pope Francis urges people to get the vaccination, calling opposition to the jab "suicidal denial" and saying he will get inoculated next week.

"There is a suicidal denial which I cannot explain, but today we have to get vaccinated," the pontiff says in segments from an interview with Canale 5 to be broadcast in full on Sunday.

Queen Elizabeth II vaccinated

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip receive Covid-19 vaccinations.

The queen, 94 and Philip, 99, have spent much of the pandemic in self-isolation at Windsor Castle. It is understood the monarch decided the information should be made public to prevent inaccuracies and speculation.

A year after first death in China, coronavirus source still a puzzle

January 11 marks the anniversary of China confirming its first covid-19 death. Subsequent clues suggests that its origins may predate Wuhan, as well as conspiracy theories that the virus may have been leaked from a lab in Wuhan. The trail has now gone cold, with the drip of subsequent clues only adding to the confusion, including findings that the virus may have existed in Europe and Brazil before Wuhan's outbreak.

It is the world's most pressing scientific puzzle, but experts warn there may never be conclusive answers over the source of the coronavirus, after an investigative effort marked from the start by disarray, Chinese secrecy and international rancour.

Covid-19 chaos in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, the main funeral parlours and cemeteries are overrun and the city’s biggest hospital is in a shambles, while the Beitbridge border with South Africa is a mess. 

The situation has been exacerbated by the production of fake Covid-19-negative test certificates. Earlier, delays were on the South African side of the border as Zimbabweans and regional truck drivers overwhelmed border officials.

Covid-19 Wrap: Latest developments around the world

- At least 1.9 million people dead worldwide

- Pope Francis urges people to get the vaccination, calling opposition to the jab "suicidal denial".

- UK cases top three million.

- China tightens restrictions.

- Australia's third city enters lockdown.

- Burundi to close its land and lakeside borders from Monday.

- France against matches with UK teams, plans to extend curfew restrictions.

- 63 cases of UK mutation found in at least eight US states.

- Israel records four SA Covid-19 variant cases.

- Nine arrested as Danish virus-curb protests turn violent.

- Mexico hits daily Covid-19 record with 16,105 new cases.

- Cuba tightens Covid-19 measures as visitors fuel record contagion.

As of today, the cumulative total of Covid-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 214 176, an increase of 21 606.

A further 399 Covid-19 related deaths have been recorded: Eastern Cape 85, Free State 11, Gauteng 69, Kwa-Zulu Natal 96, Limpopo 5, Mpumalanga 15, Northern Cape 12 and Western Cape 106 . This brings the total deaths to 32 824.

Our recoveries now stand at 956 712, representing a recovery rate of 78,9%.

A cumulative total of 7 120 847 tests have been completed with 77 167 tests conducted since the last report.

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis worldwide:

China tightens restrictions

Two Chinese cities south of Beijing further tighten virus restrictions Saturday, issuing week-long stay-at-home orders to residents as authorities race to stamp out a resurgence in infections ahead of the Lunar New Year next month.

Australia's 3rd city enters lockdown

Australia's third-largest city of Brisbane starts its first day of a snap lockdown Saturday, with officials elsewhere on high alert over the emergence of more contagious strains of Covid-19.

Burundi to close borders 

Burundi is to close its land and lakeside borders from Monday and impose a seven-day quarantine on travellers arriving by plane, after a rise in cases.

France against matches with UK teams 

The French government recommends clubs postpone European Cup matches with British teams due to the new Covid-19 variant, in a statement sent to AFP Saturday, raising questions over this year's Six Nations rugby tournament.

France to extend curfew restrictions 

France is to extend its longer overnight curfew restrictions to eight more departments, Prime Minister Jean Castex says Saturday, despite opposition in several cities.

Record daily deaths in Britain

Britain reports a record 1,325 coronavirus deaths over a 24-hour period, as a surge in cases piles pressure on overstretched health services, forcing London to declare a major incident.

Record daily cases in US

The United States hits a new record for coronavirus cases Friday, notching nearly 290,000 in a span of 24 hours, according to a real-time tally by Johns Hopkins University. The country, the hardest-hit in the world by the Covid-19 pandemic, also records 3,676 virus deaths in the same day, the university reports.

Vaccine works on variants

German company BioNTech says a preliminary study shows its vaccine works against strains uncovered in Britain and South Africa.

US logs record virus caseload as millions in Asia enter new lockdowns

The United States logged a record new daily virus caseload as Joe Biden slammed the Trump administration's vaccine roll-out as a "travesty" and millions in Asia woke up to new lockdowns.

Almost 1.9 million people have now died from the virus, with new variants sending cases soaring and prompting the re-introduction of curbs on movement even as some countries begin mass inoculation campaigns.

Almost 290 000 new cases were reported in the US within 24 hours on Friday according to Johns Hopkins University, a day after the world's worst-hit country recorded a daily record of nearly 4 000 deaths.

"Vaccines give us hope, but the roll-out has been a travesty," Biden told reporters, warning distribution of the vaccine would be "the greatest operational challenge we will ever face as a nation."

- AFP

Russia reports 23 309 new coronavirus cases, 470 deaths

Russia on Saturday reported 23 309 new coronavirus cases over the previous 24 hours, including 4 900 in Moscow, taking the national tally to 3 379 103.

Authorities said 470 people had died, taking Russia's official death toll to 61 381.

- Reuters

South Africa and Mozambique agree to ease congestion at the border

South Africa and Mozambique have agreed on measures to ease long queues at the Lebombo border post between the two countries after a week of congestion created a possible health crisis and resulted in millions of rand in lost revenue.

76% of hospitalised Covid-19 patients still have at least one symptom 6 months later, a study found

Tens of millions of people have covered from the coronavirus so far worldwide. But questions linger about what recovery really means.

China to provide Covid-19 vaccines free of charge - government official

China will provide Covid-19 vaccines free of charge once they become available to general public, government authorities said on Saturday.

Sinovac, AstraZeneca seek vaccine approval in Brazil

The manufacturers of two Covid-19 vaccines developed by Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac and Oxford-AstraZeneca filed the first applications Friday for regulatory approval in hard-hit Brazil, officials said.

Federal health regulator Anvisa now has 10 days to respond to the applications, though it said that could include asking the sponsors for more information.

One application was submitted by the Butantan Institute, a public health center in Sao Paulo that is working with Sinovac to test and produce its CoronaVac vaccine.

The other was from the Fiocruz Foundation, which is based in Rio de Janeiro and is working with the University of Oxford and its partner, the British-Swedish pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca, in a similar partnership.

- AFP

SA's latest Covid-19 numbers

SA once again breaks its record for new daily infections, after 21 980 new cases. The total is at 1 192 570. 

The death toll is at 32 425, after 616 new fatalities. 

ICYMI | Covid-19 story of the day: Ramaphosa declares virus priority number one for 2021

Cyril Ramaphosa said priority one for 2021 is Covid-19. He was speaking at an address during the ANC's 109th birthday celebration.

"It threatens our economy. SA is in the midst of a second wave that could prove deadlier than the first. We have to intensify our efforts to promote responsible behaviour such as physical distancing, sanitation, wearing masks."

He added the government will continue bolstering healthcare efforts, including test screening. He says the government will embark on a mass vaccination programme. This programme will, initially, prioritise frontline workers, like healthcare workers, teachers, police officers, the elderly and those with comorbidities.

Ramaphosa also slammed purveyors of "unfounded conspiracy theories" circulating about the virus and vaccines. "We must continue to work together as a united nation to confront the coronavirus threat."

Covid-19 wrap: UK bans travel from 11 African countries, record deaths in US, Sinovac vaccine declared halaal

Pfizer Inc and BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine appeared to work against a key mutation in the highly transmissible new variants of the coronavirus discovered in Britain and South Africa, according to a laboratory study conducted by the US drugmaker.

The study by Pfizer and scientists from the University of Texas Medical Branch, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, indicated the vaccine was effective in neutralising virus with the so-called N501Y mutation of the spike protein.

UK extends SA travel ban, shuts borders to 11 more African countries and closes resident 'loophole'

The UK has decided to extend a travel ban on all visitors departing from or travelling through South Africa as part of its plan to curb the current Covid-19 resurgence. The initial suspension, announced on 23 December 2020, will last until 23 January 2021 when it will be reviewed according to both the UK and South Africa’s caseload.

Ireland reopens to SA travel – but you must still isolate for two weeks

Ireland will reopen its borders to visitors from South Africa and the United Kingdom on Saturday, 9 January. The move comes less than a month after Ireland imposed a travel ban due to the discovery of new coronavirus variants in both countries.

Early study suggests Pfizer vaccine may work against key Covid-19 mutation in SA, UK variant

The Covid-19 vaccine from pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech looks to be effective against 16 different mutations of the coronavirus, according to a study that has not yet undergone peer review. 

Pfizer Inc and BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine appeared to work against a key mutation in the highly transmissible new variants of the coronavirus discovered in the UK and South Africa, according to a laboratory study conducted by the US drugmaker.