Category: COVID-19 Corona Virus

South Africa has 364 328 confirmed COVID-19 cases, while the death toll is sitting at 5 033 after 82 deaths were reported on Sunday.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize

Meanwhile, 191 059 people have recovered since the outbreak, which translates to a recovery rate of 52.4% in the country.

The total number of tests conducted to date is 2 471 747 of which 49 006 were done since the last report.

Gauteng remains the epicentre with the highest number of confirmed cases at 133 617, followed by the Western Cape 85 926, Eastern Cape 63 181 and KwaZulu-Natal 43 215.

The North West has 14 006 cases, Free State 9 993, Mpumalanga 7 129, Limpopo 4 928, Northern Cape 2 266, 67 are still unknown.

According to the World Health Organisation, there are 14 043 176 cases worldwide and 597 583 deaths.

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has undertaken to pay all valid claims which were not paid, as it begins to wind down the massive campaign of supporting workers through the worst effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.

UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping said that so far, the Department of Employment and Labour entity has paid out R31 billion in 6 900 391 payments.

However, Maruping noted that, as the department tries to finalise payments that are still outstanding, it has become clear how “certain elements” tried to take advantage of the payments, through fraudulent means.

“For example, it has emerged that some companies tried to claim on behalf of people who are deceased or even with fraudulent or non-existent Identity Document (ID) numbers. We have been assailed in certain quarters – sometimes deservedly so – for not paying on time but in reality, we have had to ensure that the system is not taken advantage of,” Maruping said.

Over 4 000 claims lodged on behalf of deceased

Through the vetting, Maruping said, the department has been able to establish that there were at least over 4 000 claims, including 2 729 in April and 1 944 in May, which were lodged on behalf of deceased persons, and the thorough vetting that has been instituted has picked up all these anomalies.

He said they are following every cent that has been paid out and will continue processing valid claims, but warned that some of the claims cannot be processed for obvious reasons.

Maruping said close to 50 000 (48 189) invalid ID numbers were used in April and this figure decreased to 43 176 in May. In April, 106 488 ID numbers could not be found on any system, and this number went down to 84 278 in May.

Controls to prevent duplicate payments

He explained that the department developed the system in such a way that it would be able to talk to other public service institutions like SARS and the Department of Home Affairs.

Currently, he said, the UIF uses reference and ID numbers to prevent duplicate payments, as well as verification of banking details, password protection and checking claims against UIF and SARS databases.

“As we repurposed the Fund to deliver to laid-off workers, we also needed to build in the necessary financial controls and ensure the liquidity and long-term sustainability of the Fund itself.

“Minister had directed that there will be no payments made by the UIF until the necessary controls were in place, as ultimately they would later be required to account to all government authorities and the Auditor General on systems, processes and control of disbursing such huge amounts,” Maruping explained.

Over 280 000 recently paid on ufiling

Another reason that led to delays, included employees not registered with the UIF of which the Fund has to verify their existence with SARS.

In these cases, and realizing the noble cause for supporting workers, Maruping said they gave employers the chance to declare these workers through ufiling after which, they were able to pay.

As a result, he said, a total of 171 393 for April and 113 856 for May has recently been declared by employers on ufiling and they have either paid them or are in the process of doing so.

“The Unemployment Insurance Act, makes it obligatory for a company to declare all its employees with the Fund and to pay over UIF contributions to the Fund and it has been in contact with these employers requiring them to confirm if indeed these are their employees including some form of proof – whether through their payroll or South African Revenue Service declaration,” Maruping noted.

However, he said that in some cases, the Fund has not received cooperation from employers which begged the question if those workers were really employed at the companies concerned or if some of the companies in question were trying their luck to see if UIF will pay.

“Unfortunately, the regulations were clear right from the beginning that a company or entity had to have been registered for UIF before the 15 March 2020 but in April, 18 648 claims were lodged and 3 052 in May. These cannot be processed,” Maruping said.

He said the April and May applications are closed, but the June applications are still active.

The extra vetting means that instead of paying in 24 hours, the minimum time now is 48 hours, Maruping noted.

The Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has appealed to South Africans to work with government in reducing the spread of Coronavirus by observing the COVID-19 guidelines.

“As government, we have mobilised every resource, every faculty and wherewithal at our disposal to effect the necessary interventions. But government cannot manage this unilaterally. Every single South African now needs to focus on adhering to recommendations pertaining to non-pharmaceutical interventions,” Mkhize said on Saturday.

The Minister expressed concern at the fatigue that seems to have set in as South Africans are letting down their guard at a time when the spread of infection is surging.

“We see poor or no social distancing in communities. Masks are being abandoned or not worn properly and there is laxity setting in around frequent hand-washing.

“This will directly influence the rise in numbers in the next two weeks. We must all appreciate that there is a direct causal link between the surge of cases and our ability, or inability, to adhere to these very basic principles,” he said.

The Minister reminded South Africans that there’s no vaccine or cure for COVID-19.

“Our ability to break the cycle of infection depends on our willingness to remain focused and disciplined and take non-pharmaceutical interventions seriously. We can beat this pandemic together.

“We have already proved this during the lockdown. It remains in each and every citizen’s hands to admonish family members, colleagues, friends, who refuse to adhere to measures that protect lives by limiting the spread of this virus,” Mkhize said.

While there is no one specific treatment or preventative measure against COVID-19, a Johannesburg based doctor is advising people to stick to a healthy diet, good rest and exercising within the limits of regulations.

According to the general practitioner, Dr Marlin McKay, there is also some evidence that taking supplements such as vitamin D may help with boosting your immune system against the virus.

“This needs to be in high level, not the one that you buy over the counter as part of the combination,” he explained, adding that you need about 50 000 international units of vitamin D.

He is also recommending a high dose of vitamin C – a minimum of 1 gram, about 100 milligrams of zinc and magnesium.

“And just making sure that you keep your chronic condition under control; if you’re diabetic, make sure your sugar is well controlled. If you’re on blood pressure medication, keep on taking your medication to maintain good blood pressure control,” McKay added.

According to the Department of Health, 8 million people are living with HIV in South Africa, 4 million with diabetes, while one in every three in the country suffers from hypertension.

“Don’t become overweight, keep exercising, try to keep as fit as you can,” the doctor stressed.

Also, drink a lot of liquids to keep dehydration at bay.

Most importantly, if you have not received your shot of a flu vaccine, get one soon.

“The flu vaccine will get you that level of protection at least against influenza in case you get infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus,” McKay said.

McKay shared his views as part of the #ListenToTheDoctor campaign run by the Health Department on social media to spread awareness about the Coronavirus.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), regular physical activity is good for your body and mind as millions of people grapple with the infectious disease across the globe.

“It can reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers – all conditions that can increase susceptibility to COVID-19,” the WHO added.

To maintain a healthy diet, the agency said people should eat a variety of food including fruits and vegetables, limit salt intake, use moderate amounts of fats and oils and cut back on sugar intake.

Also, avoid hazardous and harmful alcohol use and mothers are advised to breastfeed their babies and young children.

“Eating a healthy diet is very important during the COVID-19 pandemic. What we eat and drink can affect our body’s ability to prevent, fight and recover from infections.”

Also, the WHO warns against smoking.

“Smokers have a higher risk of getting Coronavirus because they are constantly putting their hands to their lips.”

Besides, if they contract the virus, they are at a greater risk of getting a severe case because their lung function is impaired.

“Quit today to reduce these risks and start living a healthier life,” WHO added.

According to the WHO, as of Thursday, there were 13 378 853 cases worldwide, with 580 045 deaths.

Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and her husband Charles Nqakula, who is the National Security Advisor to the President, have recovered from COVID-19.

The Minister and her husband tested positive recently and are still in self-isolation.

“We are glad that all their symptoms have cleared and we are looking forward to them finishing their 14 days of mandatory self-quarantine period,” said Government Communications Director-General Phumla Williams.

Both the Minister and her husband have been working from home during this time. Members in the private office of the Minister have also been tested.

“We once again extend our well wishes to all who have contracted COVID-19. We also extend our condolences to the many families, who have lost their loved ones due to Coronavirus.

“As government, we urge all people to play their part by observing all the health protocols of washing hands regularly, wearing a mask covering both the mouth and nose when in public, and practicing physical distancing. Working together, we can beat Coronavirus,” Williams said.

South Africa has recorded 13 172 new COVID-19 cases bringing a cumulative total to 324 221 on Thursday, Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said.

He also reported a further 216 COVID-19-related deaths.

Of the additional fatalities, 86 were from Gauteng, 47 from Western Cape, 25 from Eastern Cape, 41 from KwaZulu-Natal, 10 from the Free State and seven from Mpumalanga, bringing the death toll to 4 669 since the outbreak.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased,” Mkhize said.

Meanwhile, the number of recoveries has climbed to 165 591, which translates to a recovery rate of 51%, while the total number of tests conducted to date is 2 324 923.

Gauteng remains the epicentre with 117 895 cases after 5 181 new infections were reported since the last report.

This is followed by the Western Cape with 82 986 cases, Eastern Cape with 57 186 and KwaZulu-Natal with 35 604. The North West has 11 891 infections, Free State 7 312, Mpumalanga 5 572, Limpopo 3 883 and Northern Cape 1 831.

According to the World Health Organisation, there are 13 378 853 cases worldwide, with 580 045 deaths.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that saving lives during this pandemic is important as government is set to engage stakeholders in the education sector on the reopening schools.

Interacting with communities across the nation through a virtual Presidential Imbizo on Coronavirus on Wednesday, the President said government will in the next few days engage parents, student organisations, unions as well as other organisations, on the matter of reopening schools.

“Once this had been done, we are going to assess what we have heard and discuss it with the medical advisory committee… in the light of what the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said. I think we will come to a positive and inclusive decision,” the President said.

The WHO recently warned against the reopening of schools while local transmissions of the Coronavirus are on the rise.

The latest COVID-19 statistics show that South Africa has a total of 311 049 positive cases with 160 693 recoveries and 4 453 deaths.

The President said the decision to open schools was an inclusive decision even though some might not agree with it.

Responding to a caller who asked what is government’s threshold in terms of sacrificing the academic year?  The threshold being how many lives must be lost, the President said every life is important.

“We don’t focus on how many people should die first before we take a particular action. We are about saving lives and we are also about preserving livelihoods. Our strategy is not based on the number of lives of people who must die.

“We are going to sit back and listen carefully to all the key role-players about the re-opening of schools. Losing an academic year cannot be weighed up against the lives of the people we must lose. If we have to get to a point of closing schools, that will be the decision,” President Ramaphosa said.

Sale of alcohol
The President also explained the decision to suspend the sale of alcohol.

“Out of the lived evidence that was given to us by our health workers and medical advisory committee, we realised the hospital beds were being utilised more by people who go to hospital with trauma cases that are alcohol induced,” he said.

Job losses
The President also addressed the recent reports stating that approximately three million people in South Africa lost their jobs between February and April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economic recovery
“We are committed to focusing our efforts on the economic recovery. We’re working on a very direct economic process and in this we are working together with business, unions and economists in our country.

“Infrastructure is going to unleash a lot economic activities. We’ve got projects that are ready. We’ve also got projects on the public employment side. We will recalibrate the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to ensure we’ve got a much more robust public employment process,” the President said.

The Gauteng Education Department is pleading for patience with COVID-19 Youth Brigades as it processes their outstanding stipend payments.

According to the GDE, some brigades have been paid already which led to anxiety among those still awaiting their stipends.

“It is important to note that the outstanding payments are currently captured in groups and as such we can confirm that the team is working tirelessly to verify documents, and process them for necessary finalisation of payment,” said the department.

In addition to the verification of documents, the GDE said the temporary closure of some schools and offices due to COVID-19 positive cases affected payments, which made it difficult for submission of necessary documentation for capturing.

“Subsequently, these delayed our payment process. We plead for patience and undertake that as soon as we finalize all the administrative requirements of this program, which are complex in the first month, things will run smoothly in future,” said the department.

To combat the COVID-19 pandemic in schools, the department hired COVID-19 Youth Brigades to assist in limiting community transmission and outbreaks of COVID-19.

The brigades are placed in schools and government buildings to assist the department with screening, sanitising of staff and learners, data capturing and monitoring compliance to social distancing and health protocols.

“Indeed we appreciate and value their contribution in our sector. We sincerely apologize for the delays and assure them that they will be paid their stipends in due course,” assured the department.

South Africa has exceeded the 300 000 mark to reach a cumulative total of 311 049 confirmed COVID-19 cases, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced on Wednesday.

Mkhize also confirmed a further 107 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 4 453.

Of the reported deaths, 41 were from Gauteng, 38 from Western Cape, 12 from North West and 4 from Eastern Cape, and 4 from KwaZulu-Natal.

Mkhize has conveyed his condolences to the loved ones of the departed, and also thanked the health care workers who treated the deceased.

The provincial breakdown of cases: Eastern Cape 55 584, Free State 6 561, Gauteng 112 714, KwaZulu-Natal 32 939, Limpopo 3 645, Mpumalanga 5 051, North West 11 225, Northern Cape 1 667, Western Cape 81 556 and 107 unknown cases.

“The total number of tests conducted to date is 2 278 127 with 45 389 new tests conducted since the last report. The number of recoveries is 160 693 which translates to a recovery rate of 51.7%,” Mkhize said.

The Basic Education Department has reiterated that any decision on whether schools will be closed or not, will be taken by Cabinet.

The department reiterated its stance following a resolution taken by South African Democratic Teachers Union on Tuesday, which called on government to close schools nationally as the country braces for the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The government is extremely concerned about teachers, principals, non-teaching staff who use any platform to attack government for going back to work; ostensibly creating an impression that they should be treated differently from the rest of the other public servants.

“CEM [Council of education Ministers] has resolved to take legal action against all individuals and groups that continue to disrupt schooling,” said the department in a statement.

The DBE explained that one of the main reasons for the phased-in reopening of schools, was to make sure the “unfettered right to basic education for all children, is equitably provided”.

During alert levels 5 and 4 of the national lockdown, most children from the most rural and remote areas of the country, especially learners from quintiles 1-3 schools, could not access any form of online teaching and learning.

“This, inadvertently negatively affected these children’s unfettered right to basic education. It is particularly the poor, who continue to be at risk, if schools do not reopen.

“Critical in the phased reopening of schools, was adherence to the health, safety and social distancing protocols as determined by the Department of Health,” said the department.

In addition, the department explained that its decision to reopen schools was guided by science, health and education experts as well as learning from international experiences.

“We have repeatedly reported that countries of the world directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, have responded differently to the pandemic.

“Some have completely reopened their schools, some have partially reopened their schools; some even reopened and closed their schools when the realities pertaining to the pandemic forced them to do so.  South Africa is definitely no different from international practices,” it said.

School nutrition

On school nutrition, the department said one of the main reasons it reopened schools was to enable poor learners to access the school nutrition programme.

“There are the learners, who were deprived of the meals due to the national lockdown.  With the reopening of schools, we are now feeding our learners; and have further expanded the feeding to learners, who are not yet back in schools,” it said.

Arrangements are also in place for learners to collect food parcels from the schools closest to their homes.

On corruption, the DBE says the Auditor-General is presently auditing the procurement of COVID-19 essentials for schools.

Learner support and home schooling

On learner support, the department said it continues to provide support to learners, using a variety of platforms, including radio, television, online, and of course physical teaching and learning in schools.

“The DBE has over 330 digital content education sites, that have been zero-rated; and have good curriculum content that can be accessed by any learner, whether they have data or not,” said the department.

The DBE and its partners have also broadcasted and streamed over 3 000 hours of lessons to support learners through television, radio and online platforms.

“These interventions are part of the department’s effort to ensure unlimited access to rich content for learning during this time.”