South Africa

Government has assured that essential services will still be offered over the Easter weekend.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has encouraged the millions of South Africans, who are commemorating Good Friday, to take courage and strength from the message of Easter as the country deals with COVID-19.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today join an online Good Friday liturgy, led by the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, His Grace Thabo Makgoba.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Cabinet will over the next three months take a pay cut of 33% in their salaries - as government ups the ante on the fight against the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

The 21-day nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 has been extended by a further two weeks until the end of April.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed confidence in the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) technology and data which will enable the country to fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Gauteng province has rolled out its screening and testing campaign to all five districts, screening a total of 26 841 people and testing 440 of those who displayed symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has expressed grave concern at the increasing non-compliance with transport regulations and directions aimed at reinforcing the nation-wide lockdown announced by President Ramaphosa.

Government has clarified that baby clothes and essentials are available for sale during the 21-day lockdown to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

The 9th of April 2020 marked 100 days since the World Health Organisation (WHO) was notified of the first cases of “pneumonia with unknown cause” in China which would later be termed COVID-19.

The North West Health Department has called on residents to obey the rules of self-quarantine to stop the further spread of the Coronavirus in the province.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating the authenticity of a picture circulating on social media of two female officers in uniform posing with alcohol.

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has called on councillors and municipal officials to work with other spheres of government as well as stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to the regulations aimed at containing the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

African Union (AU) Chair, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has backed the efforts of the World Health Organisation and called for international solidarity against the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Africa's COVID-19 related deaths have risen to 18. This after Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on Wednesday announced five more deaths.