Category: COVID-19 Corona Virus

The lifting of the ban on the sale of alcohol since the beginning of lockdown level 3 in June has ushered an unwanted surge in reported deaths after a lull between March and May.

This was revealed by Police Minister Bheki Cele during a press briefing at the Jabulani Hostel in Soweto on Tuesday.

The Minister was in the area after six men were shot and killed on Monday evening. Police are now searching for three men believed to be linked to the crime.

During the briefing, Cele spoke about two women who were this week brutally murdered in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Naledi Phangindawo, 25, was allegedly heinously hacked to death by a man close to her. The suspect has since been arrested. In Soweto, Tshegofatso Pule, 28, was on Monday found hanging from a tree in Roodepoort where she went missing on Thursday.

“Nationally we’d sit back and complain about 30 people that have died,” said the Minister.

This was until last Monday, when the ban on alcohol during the lockdown was lifted.

“Until Monday – the 1st of June – which is not an entirely dangerous day, for the first time since the lockdown, we got reports of 40 people killed. The next day there were 51 [murders] and there were 69 this past Sunday,” he said.

During this period police were averaging between 20 and 30 murder cases a day.

“That has now just gone up, including attempting murder, including the abuse of women and violence against women,” he said.

The Minister described the murder of the two women as brutal.

“It’s an issue that we raise as police and law enforce that [perpetrators] of crime are well known to the victims. By the look of things, both these ladies were killed by people known to them. I’m not confirming that, the investigations are ongoing,” he said.

He emphasised that it was difficult for law enforcement to curb domestic violence.

This, he said, was because police could not monitor people’s behavior in their homes.

“Unfortunately, in those situations, we react. But it’s a question, we agree, we need to take up. We [need] to work very closely with all other structures and monitor closely gender-based violence, as [cases] can be brutal as we have seen with the two ladies,” Cele said.

He pleaded with men, communities and families to report suspiciously abusive relationships. He said this would ensure the police were proactive in responding in their action.

Schools in Gauteng recorded an 85% attendance of learners and educators for the first day of reopening of schools on Monday.

On Monday, Gauteng Education (GDE) MEC Panyaza Lesufi provided an update of the first day of schools reopening since the country went into lockdown on 27 March 2020, to curb the spread of COVID-19.

On educator attendance, Lesufi said most districts reported no problems with attendance also estimated at over 85% with the absence of some teachers attributed to them having comorbidities.

“On comorbidities, we have noticed some absence of educators last week and today, due to having underlying conditions,” he said.

The MEC appealed to all educators to comply with the guidelines by contacting the school principal and district for clarity on whether their application is approved and not just stay away.

“A number of teachers who have not attended claim to have comorbidities but they have not applied to work from home. A number of teachers submitted medical reports without application or filling in a sick leave forms,” said Lesufi.

According the provincial department, 11 schools where deemed not to be ready to open on Monday.

“Reports from districts show that two of these schools were opened successfully. The remaining schools did not open mainly due to infrastructure issues which are currently being addressed,” said the MEC.

In cases where the department is unable to resolve challenges immediately, Lesufi said the department is using alternative measures including temporary relocation of learners to neighbouring schools.

COVID-19 cases

A number of cases of COVID-19 positive teachers were reported by the Department of Health. In the main, these cases arose prior to schools reopening for teachers.

“Currently we have recorded 39 COVID-19 positive, from 38 schools and 38 cases under investigation,” said the MEC.

To assist with screening at schools, the provincial department recruited COVID-19 brigades many of whom are in the process of being deployed to schools.

Lesufi said the brigades are an additional resource to schools but that other personnel have been assigned to deal with screening and other issues.

Enock Mpianzi

Meanwhile, Lesufi confirmed that the family of Enock Mpianzi through their attorney claimed for about R10 million for compensation.

Mpianzi lost his life when a makeshift boat built by him and his school mates capsized during a river rafting exercise during a school orientation camp in Brits, North West.

Lesufi said the department had no appetite to oppose the claim, adding that the department’s legal team will engage them accordingly.

South Africa recorded its deadliest 24 hours with 82 new COVID-19 deaths reported on Monday.

The Western Cape, which has the highest infection rate, reported 55 deaths, followed by the Eastern Cape with 26 and one death in KwaZulu-Natal.

Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 cases has reached the 50 000 mark, with 2 594 new cases reported, while the number of deaths surpassed 1 000.

“The cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is 50 879, the total number of deaths is 1 080 and the recoveries to date are 26 099,” Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize said.

The Eastern Cape has overtaken Gauteng and now has the second-highest infection rate sitting at 6 341 and 6 258 respectively.

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal has 3 175 cases, North West 580, Free State 373, Limpopo 244, Mpumalanga 183, Northern Cape 118 while 39 cases are unknown.

The Minister has extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and thanked the health professionals for taking care of the departed.

In addition, the country has tested 953 059 people with 22 995 tests conducted since the last report.

South Africa’s recovery rate stands at 26 099 people.

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, will this morning visit the Tshwane University of Technology, Ga-Rankuwa Campus to assess its state of readiness for the phased return of students to the university.

The Minister’s visit follows a media briefing on 23 May 2020 in which the department announced COVID-19 level 3 lockdown health and safety measures and subsequent regulations.

During the briefing, Nzimande announced a phased reopening of campus activities in the entire Post School Education and Training sector as it continues to implement a risk adjusted strategy.

Under level 4, the sector has provided for a controlled return of final year students in programmes requiring clinical training, starting with medicine (MBChB) and the phasing-in of all other programmes, such as Nursing, Dental and Veterinary Sciences.

The department said that medical students have been returning to clinical training platforms from 11 May 2020, and other final year students in other programmes requiring clinical training began returning from 1 June 2020, when level 3 lockdown started.

“Universities have already identified students who will be returning to campuses at various levels of the lockdown and universities have already made provision for the necessary health and safety measures, permissions and permits for the students to travel back to campus,” the department said.

After the visit to the university, Nzimande will this afternoon hold a virtual media briefing on progress in the implementation of COVID-19 measures.

At the briefing, the Minister will focus on Post School Education and Training (PSET) institution readiness, implementation of Health plans, electronic devices and data for students, as well as Student Funding Policy and the N+ Rule (the number of years that the student has been registered at any tertiary institution of higher learning in South Africa).

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has urged the public against bogus and potentially harmfully personal protective equipment (PPE).

The Bureau said it has uncovered that numerous PPEs were being sold as ‘SABS Approved’.

“Consumers are being duped into using potentially harmful PPE,” said SABS Lead Administrator Jodi Scholtz in a statement.

Urging the public to be vigilant and to buy quality products through legitimate delivery channels, Scholtz said while the public is desperate to purchase the products, it is important that these are legitimate.

The products in demand and under scrutiny include masks, thermometers, sanitisers, disinfectants, gloves, and other equipment in order to protect themselves and their families against COVID-19.

“Products, even those that are SABS Approved need to be used for the intended purpose in order to be effective in the fight against the infection. SABS understands that there are increasingly new innovations that are emerging that claim to solve the myriad of health issues that the world is facing and while they could be life-saving, all innovative products must be subjected to testing to ensure that it is safe to use,” said Scholtz.

Spray tunnels/booths and ingestion of sanitisers

Scholtz said SABS has not conducted any tests or developed any national standard (SANS) for spray booths/tunnels nor any of the mechanisms used to spray disinfectants.

“There are currently no chemicals that are considered safe for use for disinfection via spray booths or tunnels,” she said.

She warned that uncertified products and products that are not used for their intended purpose could be dangerous for a number of reasons. These include adverse reactions to humans and the environment, the harmful effects of unidentified ingredients, bacterial and microbial impurities as well as simply just not being suitable for use on humans.

Thermometers

SABS currently does not conduct any temperature tests on thermometers that are intended for use on humans. This falls within the ambit of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). The calibration of thermometers can be done in laboratories that have been calibrated by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) and SABS currently does not offer this service.

Masks and shields

She said there are various categories of masks and shields that can be used in the fight against COVID-19. Currently all manufacturers of surgical masks are registered with SAHPRA. There are six national standards that provide masks for various uses.

SABS is able to conduct tests against some of these SANS and where there is limited capacity, utilises laboratories that fall within its partnership agreements.

“Testing and certification of products, especially PPE is going to become increasingly important as South Africa deals with COVID-19.”

The SABS said it has the capability to develop South African National Standards (SANS) for products as well as offer testing and certification of products against those standards.

“In addition and based on the critical needs, tests can be conducted against specific requirements and via a consultative process to develop the requirements,” explains Scholtz.

The SABS advised companies procuring PPE to consult the Bureau on the standard and requirements that PPE should meet so that it can be included on tender documents and subjected to inspection.

“This will ensure that the products received are functional and meet the requirements for protecting South Africans. SABS also offers consignment inspection services to guard against defective product being delivered and to ensure that there is an independent voice verifying the PPE being procured,” the Bureau said.

It is the first day of school for Grade 7 and 12 learners across the country under the COVID-19 learning environment – complete with face masks, screening and social distancing protocols.

On the first day of the reopening of schools, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga visited various schools across Gauteng to oversee their implementation of the COVID-19 health and safety regulations.

While the Minister was yet to receive feedback on the national reopening, she expressed her satisfaction at the adherence to protocol at the schools she visited, among them was Phulong Secondary School in the East Rand.

“I’m satisfied that most schools have really gone out of their way and also visually demonstrated or illustrated how the social distancing is supposed to operate throughout the school with markings,” said the Minister.

Motshekga said while the reopening of schools was off to a smooth start, if any COVID-19 symptoms are detected at the point of screening or during learning, strict adherence to protocols must be followed.

“As soon as we detect a high temperature the matter really becomes a health issue and the Health Department helps us.

“Just like in shops or factories, schools will be treated with the same strict adherence to health protocols. Teachers have been initiated, principals know what to do, senior school managers have been trained, learners have been inducted and that is why we say no teaching can take place before any induction,” she said.

The first week of June, saw teachers undergo induction and orientation in preparation to welcome learners. During that week, Moshekga said the sector gained some experience on what to do should a teacher test positive.

“We already have an experience where a number of our teachers tested positive last week when it was teachers only. Again the health protocols kick in, the Health Department takes over and the school like in any other institution closes for decontamination and the Health Department gives us the go ahead to open or not to open,” she said.

Home schooling

For anxious parents, the Basic Education Department has availed home schooling as an option provided where a programme is set up for learners.

“Children who have underlying comorbidities, as a sector we have an obligation to work out a plan with the parents so it is not a choice not to come. It is the health challenges that a learner has and therefore we have to make an arrangement with the principal.

“If a parent is anxious, it is a different story. The first step we have said they should go for home schooling but clearly a number of parents have come back to us to say it’s a very difficult one,” she said.

According to the directions in the gazetted regulations, parents who choose not to send a learner to school, must apply to the Head of Department, who may exempt a learner either entirely, partially or conditionally, from compulsory school attendance, if it is in the best interests of the learner.

A parent who chooses not to send their child to school is also obliged to apply for home education.

With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increasing at a startling rate in South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the public not to be alarmed but to prepare to deal with an upsurge in numbers.

This comes as the country on Sunday confirmed 2 312 new cases, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 48 285.

“During the course of this coming week, we can expect that the total number of cases will pass the 50 000 mark. Sadly, we are also likely to record the 1 000th death from this devastating disease,” President Ramaphosa said in his weekly letter on Monday.

The President expressed his worry at the rising figures.

“Like many South Africans, I too have been worried as I watch these figures keep rising. While these numbers are broadly in line with what the various models had projected, there is a big difference between looking at a graph on a piece of paper and seeing real people becoming infected, some getting ill and some dying.”

He said over the coming weeks, as infections continue to rise, the country should “remember that we are not helpless”.

“We should remember one simple, but fundamental, message: Don’t be alarmed. Be prepared,” he said.

He said the country could draw comfort from the fact that the nationwide lockdown was achieving its objective in delaying the spread of the virus.

“It gave us time to prepare our health facilities and interventions for the expected spike in infections,” he said. “The lockdown was not only necessary but it has also given us all time to adjust to living with the virus.”

The President said that while he was pleased to see that a high percentage of South Africans were observing hygiene protocols, they should avoid contact with other people and wear facemasks whenever in public.

He highlighted that social distancing in public places remains a challenge.

“We need to focus our attention on ensuring that we adhere to social distancing practices because it is through close contact between people that the virus will be spread,” he said.

The President also saluted business, government departments, schools and other institutions who used the lockdown to prepare for a gradual return to more-or-less normal activity.

“They have been putting stringent health protocols in place, thoroughly cleaning and sanitising their premises and are ensuring that people are regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms. This is all necessary to ensure that we save lives and protect livelihoods, he said.

Western Cape

In the letter, the President also expressed satisfaction at the preparations the Western Cape is making to contain infections and to ensure that there are enough beds, staff and medical supplies to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of people needing hospitalisation.

The province is the country’s epicentre of the virus.

“We must mobilise and deploy all the necessary resources we have in the country. We need an integrated strategy that brings together the national, provincial and local spheres of government,” said President Ramaphosa.

The President said South Africa could slow down the spread of the disease if all measures are taken to flatten the infection curve.

Rising numbers

“As we watch the number of infections rise further – probably far faster than most of us imagined – we should be concerned, but not alarmed. That is because we have the ability, as individuals, communities and as a country, to limit the impact of the disease on our people.

“Although we have made progress, we still need to do much more in the coming weeks to meet the expected demand,” he said.

He said each household should look at how they can protect elderly people and those with underlying conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, Tubercolosis or HIV.

“Do plan for the possibility that someone in the family may become infected and whether you will be able to isolate them from family members until they are better. If not, find out where the closest government quarantine site is. You should also plan ahead for what to do if someone gets sick,” said the President.

Mpumalanga has recorded its first death as the number of COVID-19 infections increased by 2 312 to 48 285.

Meanwhile, in the Western Cape, 45 people succumbed to the COVID-19 related disease, bringing the death toll to 998 as of Sunday.

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

The Western Cape remains the epicentre with 31 824 cases, followed by the Eastern Cape with 5 974 and Gauteng with 5 946.

Mkhize to visit the Eastern Cape

Mkhize is heading to the Eastern Cape this week following the Ministerial and Presidential visit to the Western Cape last week.

According to the department, the Eastern Cape has similar numbers to Gauteng but it has recorded the second-highest mortality numbers.

The department believes this is due to its proximity and interconnectedness with the Western Cape, which makes the province vulnerable.

“In addition, there is an increase in infection rate amongst healthcare workers both in the public and private sectors,” the department said.

The province had recorded 258 COVID-19 positive health professionals and 14 deaths.

“The Minister of Health will be returning to the Eastern Cape later this week whilst the Deputy Minister will go to the Western Cape to continue Ministerial oversight there,” the department said.

The department said the province is working around the clock to deal with hotspot areas and facilitating a strong community-based response while addressing the Personal Protective Equipment shortages.

In addition, the province is also now supported by experts from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).

“The team members from the NICD worked with the contact tracing and community screening teams while Wayne Ramkrishna, an expert in malaria, vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, worked with the Finance, Clinical Management, Infection Prevention and Control as well as the Occupational Health and Safety team to assess the PPE needs in the Eastern Cape.”

The department has made provision with 20 members of the Cuban brigade to bolster the response; particularly community-based response, while 840 additional nurses have been employed.

“We are in constant dialogue with health care workers and their unions on labour issues.”

The department is also clearing the testing backlog in the various centres.

“In Port Elizabeth, the backlog has been reduced from 13 000 to 5106. By Monday it should be around 4 000 then by next week completely cleared.”

Meanwhile, the department is dealing with the Umthatha backlog which is currently at 8 000.

“East London is still a challenge because there is no resident pathologist. The GeneXpert does not require a pathologist to interpret and so that is what is being used in East London, however, there has been a shortage of kits.”

This week the central office will be increasing the number of kits being sent to East London, the department said.

“The National Health Laboratory Service is also looking into sending other testing modalities that don’t require pathologists.”

The department said both the Western Cape and Eastern Cape have been proactive in conducting roadside screenings because many essential seasonal workers travel between the provinces.

“The Western Cape now has a co-ordinated programme of screening and assessing seasonal travellers before they leave to go home to the Eastern Cape.”

Ten out of 747 licensed liquor premises inspected in KwaZulu-Natal have been shutdown for contravening the COVID-19 regulations.

According to a statement from the office of the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the common areas of contravention include failure to close according to trading times, sale of expired liquor, failure to screen employee and patrons’ hands and ensuring social distancing.

Alcohol sales are now open under level 3 from Monday through Thursday between 9am and 5pm for home consumption.

“The sale of expired liquor and mixers is one of the common areas of contraventions that has been picked up by inspectors,” MEC Dube-Ncube said on Saturday.

The department said it would continue with the inspection conducted by the KZN Liquor Authority, South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies throughout the week.

“The KZN liquor authority is empowered to recommend the suspension of the liquor license until the end of a lockdown or for three months.

“It should be emphasised that inspectors will continue to act firmly should there be any evidence indicating the violation of the sale of liquor in terms of the KZN Liquor Licensing Act,” the MEC said.

Meanwhile, the department said it was grateful to the majority of liquor traders and license holders in general who are complying with the COVID-19 regulations governing the sale of liquor during this period.

“We reiterate as the department that these regulations are aimed at ensuring the health and safety of customers, workers, liquor traders and the people of this province as a whole,” she added.

Motorists and fleet-owners, whose car licences expired during the lockdown, can skip the long queues at the Traffic Department by renewing them at their local Post Office during level 3.

According to the Post Office’s spokesperson, Johan Kruger, the service has resumed at all Post Office branches that offer it.

He reminded people to carry their identity document and that both cash and card payments are accepted.

However, motorists are advised to avoid the period between the 4th and 7th of every month, as branches are usually packed with South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) customers.

“Another date to avoid is the 21st of every month. Car owners receive 21 days grace after the expiry of their car licences, and Post Offices find that customers flock to the branches on this day to renew at the last minute,” he explained.

Kruger said most branches also do renewals offer a bulk renewal service for fleet owners, however, customers are advised to enquire with their local branches first.

He said the service was available in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, North West and Limpopo.

If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can download the form at https://www.postoffice.co.za/Products/Domestic/vehiclelicenserenewalform… and complete it in advance to save time.