LIVE | SA records 45 902 coronavirus deaths and 1 470 516 cases

South Africa has recorded 3 749 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours bringing the total to  1 470 516.

There are now 45 902 deaths after 297 fatalities were reported.

The recoveries now stand at 1 335 618, representing a recovery rate of 90,8%.

South Africa has recorded 3 749 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours bringing the total to  1 470 516.

There are now 45 902 deaths after 297 fatalities were reported.

The recoveries now stand at 1 335 618, representing a recovery rate of 90,8%.

Pandemic slows across the world

The Covid-19 pandemic slowed down for the third week in a row and new cases are now at their lowest level since the end of October, with new infections falling by half in South Africa, according to a specialised AFP database.

Here is the state of play worldwide:

Fewer than half a million per day 

The number of new daily cases dipped below the half-million mark for the first time since late October, standing at 493 000, according to an AFP tally to Thursday.

New infections dropped by 13 percent over the week, after reaching a record 725 000 in mid-January.

Nearly every area of the world saw a slackening off, with new cases decreasing in Africa by 27 percent, by 17 percent in the United States and Canada, by 12 percent in Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean and by two percent in Asia.

'No meaningful evidence for clinical efficacy in patients with Covid-19' - ivermectin manufacturer

Merck, the original manufacturer of ivermectin, has said there is not enough data available to support the use of the medication for Covid-19 patients.

Known as MSD outside America and Canada, the company said its scientists continue to carefully examine the findings of all available and emerging studies of ivermectin for the treatment of Covid-19 for evidence of efficacy and safety.

Govt quietly made not wearing a mask a direct criminal act – ‘reluctantly’, says NDZ

As of 1 February, failing to wear a mask in public is a direct criminal offence in South Africa, which could come with up to six months in jail.

That represents a significant escalation in the seriousness with which mask-wearing is treated in SA, so much so that the government did not want to take the step, according to co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

People who had Covid-19 may develop 10 times more antibodies after a single vaccine dose

People commonly report more side effects after their second coronavirus shot than their first.

But researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai discovered a slightly different response among patients who already had Covid-19.

Covid-19 wrap | WHO-led probe team visits China’s Wuhan virus lab, New Zealand approves vaccine

WHO-led Covid-19 probe team in China visits Wuhan virus lab.

A team of investigators working on behalf of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has visited a major virus research laboratory in China’s central city of Wuhan and is scheduled to meet a top virologist, as they continue to seek clues to the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.

34 000 healthcare workers sign up for vaccine, as health minister unveils registration portal

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has launched the health department's Electronic Vaccine Data System self-registration portal.

The portal is an important tool in ensuring vaccine doses arrive at the correct vaccination sites at the right time, the health minister said during a live demonstration on Wednesday morning.

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Why uncontrolled use of drugs like ivermectin for Covid-19 can hinder clinical trials

Ivermectin, an anti-parasite drug, first gained recognition for its potential as a Covid-19 treatment in April 2020, when researchers in Australia found that high doses of the compound could stop the virus from replicating in cells.

Since then, additional promising results have surfaced in a number of studies that have assessed its efficacy as a Covid-19 treatment, although experts have cautioned that these results are not yet conclusive.

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Covid-19: Tavern owners fear on-site consumption of alcohol could be super-spreader events

The on-site consumption of alcohol in many liquor trading establishments will come at a price.

Some legal liquor traders have warned President Cyril Ramaphosa that by allowing people to consume liquor in taverns, bars, and shebeens, it might hit them again in their pockets as they could be faced with another closure.

There has been an increase of 2 649 coronavirus cases, bringing the total infections to 1 458 958.

With 547 more fatalities recorded, the death toll is now at 44 946.

There are 1 318 504 recoveries, a recovery rate of 90%.

Capetonians flock to beaches again - legally this time

Cape Town residents took advantage of the city's sunny weather on Tuesday, flocking to beaches - legally this time.

South Africans can once again visit beaches and parks after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the easing of lockdown restrictions on Monday night.

In his address to the nation, he said public places such as beaches, dams, rivers, parks and public swimming pools would be reopened and subject to health protocols. Ramaphosa faced severe backlash following his decision to close beaches in December.

'It is back' - Troubling videos show jolly youth celebrating return of booze sales

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) has expressed concern over the behaviour of young people in East London, who took to the streets in celebration after President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted a month-long alcohol ban on Monday night.

The streets erupted into a carnival atmosphere immediately after Ramaphosa announced that taverns, shebeens and restaurants would again be able to sell alcohol for onsite and off-site consumption.

LIST | Here is who will get a Covid-19 vaccine in KwaZulu-Natal's first rollout phase

KwaZulu-Natal will have 163 256 vaccines for health personnel from various sectors in the province in its first phase of rollout, Premier Sihle Zikalala said on Tuesday.

"A total of 163 256 health personnel from various sectors in KwaZulu-Natal are eligible to receive vaccinations during the first phase, as announced by the president. These include 81 000 healthcare workers in the public sector and 49 000 in the private sector," he told media at the Public Works offices in Durban.

Ivermectin for use in urgent Covid-19 cases allowed before Section 21 applications are approved

Ivermectin can now be used by medical practitioners to treat Covid-19 without having to wait for the outcome of an application to use the drug - if treatment is needed urgently.

The concession was made an order of the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday after an interim settlement was reached between, on the one side, general practitioner Dr George Coetzee, two of his patients, AfriForum, and, on the other side, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra).

Booze queues: Tavern owners line up to buy stock after Ramaphosa lifts ban on alcohol sales

Tavern and restaurant owners were among those queuing outside liquor stores on Tuesday morning following the easing of the alcohol ban.

On Monday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that, as a result of declining daily Covid-19 infections, the ban on alcohol sales would be relaxed.

The new regulations allow for the sale of alcohol from Mondays to Thursdays between 10:00 to 18:00. The sale of alcohol by licensed premises for on-site consumption – such as restaurants and taverns – will be permitted throughout the week from 10:00 to 22:00.

Long-haul flights can operate during curfew – but passengers must provide proof of travel

South Africa’s curfew restrictions have been eased by three hours, with the latest regulations allowing “long-haul” flights to land and depart between 23:00 and 04:00. Travellers stopped during these hours will need to produce a valid boarding pass or a copy of the airline ticket as “proof of flight”.

Russia's coronavirus vaccine is 91.6% effective, a new study shows

Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine is 91.6% effective, an interim analysis of its phase 3 data has found, five months after the country approved the vaccine for use and started giving it to people.

The peer-reviewed study was published in The Lancet on Tuesday. Many of the study's authors are affiliated with Russia's ministry of health, according to The Lancet.

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Ramaphosa commits to acquiring more vaccine doses

President Ramaphosa provided an update on government's vaccine plans during his address to the nation on Monday evening.

Ramaphosa stated that in addition to the 1.5 million vaccine jabs from AstraZeneca, the government was trying to source additional doses from different manufacturers.

Despite the drop in infections, Ramaphosa also implored South Africans to continue to follow public health measures as case numbers are still high.

SA to nominate Cuban doctors for Nobel Peace Prize for helping in fight against Covid-19

Cabinet has approved a proposal to nominate the contingent of Cuban doctors brought to the country to help fight Covid-19 for the Nobel Peace Prize.

According to the president, the doctors had treated more than 38 000 people on the African continent by November 2020. In June, South Africa welcomed 217 doctors, health technologists and epidemiologists who were deployed to various parts of the country.

Level 3: A step too far or not far enough? Politicians react to easing of lockdown regulations

Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato said the easing of lockdown regulations will give the local tourism and hospitality industry a much-needed boost.

While the EFF has welcomed the relaxation of some regulations, such as curfew, they disagree with the decision to allow alcohol sales.

SA vaccine campaign calls on top US scientist Anthony Fauci and others to strengthen vaccine access

South Africa's Peoples' Vaccine Campaign has called on top US scientist, Dr Anthony Fauci, and other high-level US experts to take action against US-based pharmaceutical companies to ensure equitable access to a vaccine in South Africa and globally.

This was detailed in a letter dated 30 January and signed by Archbishop Dr Thabo Makgoba of the Cape Town Anglican Church, on behalf of the campaign.

SA’s Covid-19 infections climbed by 2 548, pushing the total cases to 1 456 309 on Monday.

There have been 235 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 44 399.

"Regrettably, 235 deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 59, Free State 16 , Gauteng 51, KwaZulu-Natal 10, North West 33, Northern Cape 2 and Western Cape 64 which brings the total to 44 399 deaths," Zweli Mkhize said in a statement.

Our recoveries now stand at 1 306 022, representing a recovery rate of 89%.

Re-adjusted Alert Level 3: Here’s what is changing

A drop-off in new infections means restrictions on everyday South African live can be – gradually – reduced, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in an address to the nation on Monday night.

The Alert Level will remain at three, despite the new rules resembling what had been envisaged as Level 2, with Ramaphosa stressing that continued vigilance was important.

Ramaphosa did not say when the changes will be effective, and as usual took no questions.

That's it from us. Our late night report will be published soon, while we will have comprehensive coverage in the morning. Good night!

- Pieter du Toit

I reckon he needs more than a day to sort that out, Adriaan.

Yes, positive vibes from the president, but still vague on delivery dates and terms of any agreement.

To be fair, this is probably not the time and the place to tell the country details of negotiations, but given our immediate history, something a little bit more precise than "second quarter" would have been nice.

- Pieter du Toit

President Cyril Ramaphosa looked tired as he announced the lifting of the alcohol ban and the reopening of beaches and parks as a result of a decreasing Covid-19 infection rate.

News24 understands that Ramaphosa's day was consumed mostly by dealing with the fallout at the State Security Agency at the Zondo Commission.

Besides lifting the alcohol ban and shortening the curfew, that brings much-needed joy to the ears of restaurant owners and the alcohol industry, Ramaphosa biggest announcement was the confirmation of a vaccine deal with Pfizer for the delivery of 20 million shots in the "second quarter".

This means South Africa has now ordered more than 40 million Covid-19 vaccinations; enough to inoculate 60% - 70% of the population, that is required to achieve herd immunity.

- Adriaan Basson

Here is a recap of some of the restrictions and progress on vaccines mentioned by Ramaphosa:

The government has identified 200 facilities across the country to administer the vaccine, and health staff will be priority one.

In addition to the vaccines that have arrived, the government has secured some 12 million vaccines from the Covax facility. A further 9 million has been secured from Johnson & Johnson. Pfizer has committed 20 million vaccines.

The vaccine will be available to all in South Africa, including undocumented migrants.

Nobody will be forced to take the vaccine.

The alcohol ban has been dropped, and sale can be done from Mondays to Thursdays, from 10:00 to 18:00.The curfew hours are now from 23:00 to 04:00. Entertainment establishments must close at 22:00.Faith-based gatherings are now permitted, but cannot exceed 50 people for outdoor, and 100 for indoor venues.

Funerals still have a limit of 50 people.

Public places - beaches, dams, parks, swimming pools, will be reopened, subject to some health protocols.

Social gatherings, political events and sports gatherings are still not allowed.

The government has thrown its weight behind the Cuban Medical Brigade for the 2021 Nobel Prize.

His address tonight will be remembered only for the partial lifting of the booze ban, Pieter.

- Kyle Cowan

He should have mentioned the medicines cum vaccines the SANDF imported from Cuba and which has since gone vrot at an army base, and which cost the taxpayer a couple of million, Kyle...

- Pieter du Toit

Right Kyle, and SA paid at least a good R400 million to get them here.

- Azarrah Karrim

Also, Pieter, I am not sure how South African health care workers will feel about their Cuban counterparts being selected for such a nomination over them. The Cuban doctors provided a valuable service, but didn't local doctors, nurses and porters sacrifice just as much?

- Kyle Cowan

Not at all Pieter, Ramaphosa has only detailed a few avenues from which SA is acquiring vaccines, saying government is in advanced negotiations with suppliers, one of these suppliers could be US-based Moderna, according to unconfirmed information

- Azarrah Karrim

One of Ramaphosa's shorter family meetings, a little more than 30 minutes, Pieter. We have confirmation of the 20 million Pfizer deal, which is the biggest development around vaccines. But we are no closer to understanding when these doses will arrive, and the longer we have to wait, the stronger the risk of a third wave becomes.

- Kyle Cowan

Right, Kyle and Azarrah, takeaways? Do we have certainty about how much vaccine we're getting, and when? And also, the easing of restrictions can be reinstated at any time?

- Pieter du Toit

The president pays homage to the "Cuban Medical Brigade" and the work they have done on the continent. He says more than 3 000 Cubans medics were dispatched by that country to countries hardest hit, including South Africa. Cabinet has resolved to nominate them for the Nobel Peace Prize. The ANC government has historical ties with Cuba, and this seems to be a political statement more than anything else.

- Pieter du Toit

Sadly, if these trauma cases interfere with efforts to combat Covid-19 again Azarrah, the booze ban will be back. If we can't be responsible, we can't have nice things.

- Kyle Cowan

On that point Kyle, we saw a decrease in alcohol related hospital admissions when the booze ban was in place, I'm not sure many health workers will be rejoicing at this news.

- Azarrah Karrim

On that point Kyle, we saw a decrease in alcohol related hospital admissions when the booze ban was in place, I'm not sure many health workers will be rejoicing at this news.

- Azarrah Karrim

The jury is out on lockdown effectiveness, but there can be no doubt that when lockdown was implemented, there was an impact on the spread of Covid-19. I fear we will be counting the economic cost for many years to come, as will countries the world over.

- Kyle Cowan