South Africa

The Department of Defence and Military Veterans has called up members from the Reserve Force to complement the already deployed SANDF in the fight against Coronavirus (COVID-19).

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Polokwane, where he will see off a group of South Africans citizens, who will be reunited with their families after testing negative for coronavirus (COVID-19) at the end of their quarantine in Limpopo.

South Africa will participate in the Public Health Emergency Solidarity Trial, which has been initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to conduct a clinical trial to find an effective COVID-19 treatment.

The Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has announced a total of 1 187 confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in South Africa, as at Saturday, 28 March.

Government has identified 17 land parcels for resettlement purposes for people who stay in informal settlements should the need arise, as the country deals with the spread of COVID-19.

A team of experts are working on creating a range of data warehouses, including the current geographic spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) current cases, health vulnerabilities and location of health and other facilities, among other things.

Eskom says it has handed its Academy of Learning (EAL) centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, over to government to be used as a quarantine site.

Plans to reunite the 114 South African citizens repatriated from Wuhan City in China with their families are underway, as their 14-day quarantine period has ended.

Government has deployed a total of 22 347 traffic officers across the country, to ensure compliance with the published Regulations and Directions for the 21-day nationwide lockdown.

Government has urged all South Africans to unite, remain positive and continue to work hand-in-hand to turn the economy around.

As the national lockdown takes a firm hold over the nation, Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel has urged retailers to manage crowds and queues at their establishments, so as to slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has discouraged consumers from using minibus taxis after 9am to get groceries, as the nationwide lockdown takes effect in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The number of COVID-19 deaths in South Africa has been revised down from two to one mortality, after a subsequent investigation found that one patient was negative for the virus.

Police have arrested 55 people on a largely successful operation, on the first day of a nationwide 21-day lockdown, Police Minister Bheki Cele said.

Labour centres across the nine provinces will remain closed over the course of South Africa’s 21-day lockdown period, said the Department of Employment and Labour.