South Africa

While many South Africans know a great deal about COVID-19, the majority still believe they are at low risk of contracting the disease.

Police Minister Bheki Cele has urged religious leaders and congregants to stay at home as the country continues to observe the COVID-19 lockdown.

South Africa has 141 new COVID-19 cases bringing the total number to 4 361 as of Saturday, with seven new deaths reported.

About 1.5 million more South Africans will from 1 May return to work as government begins to lift a fraction of COVID-19 lockdown regulations.

A call has been made to South Africans to support locally made products as part of efforts to jump-start the economy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government has launched the Risk Adjusted Strategy for public comment and consultation, as it moves to ease the nation-wide lockdown while carefully considering public health and the re-opening of the economy.

Four Denel employees, who have been working on a project based in Seville, Spain, have safely returned to South Africa.

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has instructed the department’s regional office in the North West to increase its support to the Madibeng Local Municipality to fast track the refurbishment of Brits Water Treatment Works.

South Africa now has 4 220 confirmed Coronavirus cases, with four new deaths.

South Africa has taken part in the launch of the World Health Organisation’s initiative that will see international collaboration to accelerate the development, production and equitable global access to new COVID-19 health technologies.

The Hawks have arrested a 33-year-old suspect for fraudulently diverting food parcels meant for deserving households.

The Department of Employment and Labour says thousands of employees, who may qualify for COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits, may not receive their due.

African Union chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has encouraged the millions of Africans, who are commemorating Ramadan, to take courage and strength from the message of Ramadan, as the continent deals with COVID-19.

With the COVID-19 outbreak in South Africa projected to peak around August, Gauteng - the country’s epicentre with 1 252 cases to date - is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations to fight the scourge.

Over the next month, the state will shift its response to the COVID-19 pandemic by preserving the economy, developing immediate recovery plans and pivoting the economy in a position of growth.