COVID-19 WRAP | Mkhize describes corruption in health sector as 'embarrassing' as Covid-19 cases increase to 683,242

October 6  2020 - 21:31

1,000 Covid-19 cases and 87 deaths recorded in past 24 hours

The number of Covid-19 cases in SA climbed by just over 1,000 on Tuesday night, health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said.

There had also been 87 Covid-19 related deaths confirmed in the same period.

“As of today, the cumulative number of detected Covid-19 cases is 683,242 with 1,027 new cases identified since the last report.

October 6  2020 - 21:28

Second wave of Covid-19 just speculation right now: Mkhize

It is still unclear if SA will experience a second surge of Covid-19 — but if it does, the country will be prepared.

This was the assurance of health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize on Tuesday.  

“We have a plan now that's been tabled with us from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on how to deal with the second wave and, therefore, I would say, we are in a much better position. Once we have gone through the plan, I will suggest we come and share it so we are on the same wavelength when it comes to preparation for the future,” he said.

October 6  2020 - 18:09

Deputy public protector investigates Covid-19 PPE tender irregularities in KZN

Deputy public protector Kholeka Gcaleka is in KwaZulu-Natal visiting a number of health-care facilities and public schools as part of investigations into Covid-19 PPE tender irregularities.

Since early August, public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Gcaleka have been on a tour to observe first-hand the challenges that staff, the public and pupils alike grapple with regarding the provision of services.

The focus is on the inspection of hospitals reserved, upgraded or capacitated specifically for the treatment of Covid-19 patients and schools.

October 6  2020 - 17:00

Britain buys 1 million COVID-19 antibody tests

Britain's health ministry said on Tuesday it had bought 1 million COVID-19 antibody tests that can indicate whether someone has had the disease within 20 minutes.

The Department of Health said it had bought the tests, which use a fingerprick device and do not need to be sent to a lab, from the UK Rapid Test Consortium, and that they would be rolled out as part of the government's COVID-19 surveillance studies. 

-REUTERS

October 6  2020 - 13:30

Poland introduces stricter enforcement of coronavirus limits

Poland will introduce new coronavirus restrictions from Saturday in the hardest hit areas, the health minister said on Tuesday, including stricter enforcement of rules about wearing masks and a ban on using some venues for dancing.

"Only those with a medical certificate from a doctor can choose not to mask wear a mask where it is mandatory...any person who doesn't wear a mask (and doesn't have a certificate) will face the harshest of punishments," Poland's Health Minister Adam Niedzielski told a news conference.

The country reported 2,236 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, close to Saturday's record of 2,367. With a population of 38 million, Poland has reported 104,316 cases overall and 2,717 deaths. 

-Reuters

October 6  2020 - 13:15

Putin says Russia is ready for any coronavirus developments -RIA

The threat of the novel coronavirus in Russia has not gone away, but the country is ready for any development, the RIA news agency cited President Vladimir Putin as saying during a meeting with parliamentary leaders on Tuesday.

Daily new cases of the coronavirus in Russia surged past 11,000 on Tuesday, the highest jump since May 11.

- Reuters

October 6  2020 - 11:17

'Don't be afraid' of Covid, Trump says as he returns to the White House

President Donald Trump told Americans “to get out there” and not fear Covid-19 as he returned to the White House on Monday after a three-night hospital stay to be treated for the virus and removed his white surgical mask to pose for pictures.

October 6  2020 - 09:00

France ready to do more to help bars and restaurants - Le Maire

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Tuesday the government was ready to do more to support the bar and restaurant sector, one of the worst hit by the pandemic.

He told franceinfo radio new details could be unveiled next week.

Paris bars have been ordered to close for two weeks from Tuesday to try to contain a renewed spread of the disease. 

-Reuters

October 6  2020 - 08:00

Scotland to impose two-week mini lockdown from Friday -Sun newspaper

Scotland is to impose a two-week mini lockdown from Friday, reported the Sun newspaper, citing reports from doctors.

Sources at the National Health Service told the newspaper to expect the "circuit breaker" stay at home order for the whole of the country of Scotland from 1800 GMT on Friday.

-Reuters

October 6  2020 - 07:00

'There is nowhere to hide': Sex workers battle to survive under lockdown

Sex workers who wait for clients along Boundary Road, between Vosloorus and Dawn Park, south of Boksburg, from morning until evening, and operate from dilapidated houses, accuse police of corruption and harassment.

October 6  2020 - 06:29

POLL | Should government discontinue Covid-19 grants?

It remains to be seen whether the government will convert the Covid-19 social relief of distress grant (SRDG) into a “universal basic income guarantee” after calls by SACP president Blade Nzimande on Sunday.

Nzimande, addressing the virtual launch of the party’s Red October campaign, said the grant, though “small”, is a lifeline for millions of South Africans and would worsen the plight of the poor should it be allowed to expire at the end of the month.

LISTEN | ‘Every day gets a bit better’: Lockdown grievers and givers come into the open

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