South Africa

National Treasury has warned suppliers not to fall victim to opportunistic scams exploiting the COVID-19 outbreak.

Hard work paid off for Eastern Cape police who recovered four illegal firearms and 35 rounds of ammunition, while also arresting nine suspects.

With government having declared a national state of disaster amid the COVID-19 virus outbreak, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has gazetted regulations aimed at containing the spread.

Following the declaration of a national state of disaster, the National Gambling Board (NGB) has cautioned the public to avoid the temptation to access unlicensed gambling operators.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says new regulations that came into effect on Wednesday, will see all cruise and passenger ships entering South Africa through its sea ports being prohibited from disembarkation.

All higher institutions of learning will close for early recess with effect from Wednesday, 18 March 2020.

The Basic Education Department has confirmed that although schools officially close on Wednesday, 18 March 2020, in terms of the Cabinet decision taken on Sunday, teachers will continue to work until Friday, 20 March 2020.

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has called on government departments to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent the spread of Coronavirus among public servants and citizens at frontline service delivery points.

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has encouraged the cultural and sports sectors to take the measures announced by the President to manage Coronavirus (COVID-19) seriously.

The Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng will pay the R50 million it owes to Eskom by the end of business today.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens to refrain from stockpiling on groceries as government intensifies its efforts to contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Sedibeng Water, in conjunction with Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality, are working around the clock to ensure that both short and medium-term solutions to address water challenges in QwaQwa, are implemented.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has advised South African citizens who are travelling to be aware of the health risks.

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued guidelines for infection control for all airlines, which apply to passenger, cargo and baggage handling.

South Africa now has 116 confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19).