COVID-19 WRAP | SA records 2,055 new virus cases & 15,857 Covid-19 deaths

September 18 2020 - 20:05

SA records 2,055 new virus cases

Eastern Cape 87894

Free State 43375

Gauteng 216790

KwaZulu-Natal 117360

Limpopo 14557

Mpumalanga 26262

North West 27856

Northern Cape 14376

Western Cape 109157

September 18 2020 - 19:00

WEC reflects Covid-19 challenges in provisional 2021 calendar

The World Endurance Championship (WEC), which includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans, published a slimmed-down provisional 2021 calendar of six races on Friday reflecting the continuing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The races will all be held in the same calendar year, unlike the current season which started at Britain's Silverstone circuit in September 2019 and is due to end in Bahrain in November.

“We listened to our manufacturers, teams and partners and responded with a calendar featuring fewer events than in the past to allow them all time to deal with the current economic crisis,” said WEC CEO Gerard Neveu.

September 18 2020 - 15:45

Travelling within all African countries allowed during level 1 - Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

International travel within all African countries will be allowed under lockdown level 1, co-operative governance & traditional affairs (Cogta) minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced on Friday.

This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement on Wednesday that the country would move to level 1 from midnight on Sunday.

“After seeking advice from stakeholders, cabinet decided this morning that the country should now move to level 1,” Ramaphosa said.

September 18 2020 - 15:32

Evictions and demolitions still a no go under level 1 — unless the court says so

Under lockdown alert level 1, people may not be evicted from their land, home or have their place of residence demolished, unless an order is granted by a court, in terms of a Government Gazette published on Friday.

This is among the regulations signed off by minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. The minister, during a briefing on Friday, announced the relaxed regulations.

“A competent court may suspend or stay an order for eviction or demolition until after the lapse or termination of the national state of disaster unless the court is of the opinion that it is not just or equitable to suspend or stay the order having regard,” the regulations state.

September 18 2020 - 14:50

International travel will be allowed from Oct 1 - but not to countries with high infection rates

International travel will be allowed from October 1, to and from all countries. But there will be a schedule that temporarily excludes those countries with high infection rates, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs, confirmed on Friday.

But, she added, night vigils, nightclubs, initiation schools, and international cruise ships are still off limits. Spectators are also still not allowed at sport events.

Details about the announcements are expected soon by the ministers who serve in the national coronavirus command council who will brief the media on the regulations relating to the Covid-19 level 1 restrictions.

September 18 2020 - 12:45

Tribunal stops Eastern Cape health department's R10m scooter contract

The Special Tribunal on Friday granted an order interdicting the Eastern Cape health department from further implementing the controversial R10m mobile clinic scooter contract.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) sought the order after allegations that the department purportedly expedited the contract for the procurement of 100 mobile clinic scooters from Fabkomp (Pty) Ltd in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The SIU contends the awarding of the contract was done in contravention of the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act and Treasury regulations. It was seeking an interdict to stop any payment for the contract.

September 18 2020 - 11:17

90-minute British DnaNudge Covid-19 test is accurate, Lancet study finds

A British Covid-19 test known as DnaNudge which gives results in just over an hour and does not require  laboratory services was accurate in almost all cases, an academic review in the Lancet has found.

Faster testing could allow more people to return to work or permit testing on entry to hospital, thus slowing a second spike in coronavirus infections.

The new test, based on the design of a DNA test developed by a professor at Imperial College London, received approval for clinical use by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) at the end of April after successful trials.

—Reuters

September 18 2020 - 09:43

Soldier 'shot' man not wearing face mask at shopping complex

A soldier allegedly shot a man during an argument over why the man was not wearing a face mask in line with Covid-19 regulations.

The incident happened at a shopping complex in Mogwadi, Limpopo, on Thursday, said police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo. 

“Members of the national defence force were reportedly on duty monitoring Covid-19 compliance in the area when they approached a group of people who were not wearing face masks," Mojapelo said on Friday.

September 18 2020 - 07:10

Covid-19 deaths at 15,772 in SA

Health minister Zweli Mkhize said on Thursday evening that 15,772 people had succumbed to Covid-19 related illness in SA.

September 18 2020 - 06:30

Rich countries bulk-buying Covid-19 vaccines poses threat to the rest of us

Local public health experts have raised concerns about the bulk-buying of potential Covid-19 vaccines by rich nations, arguing that this could further delay access to these life-saving shots by developing countries such as South Africa.