Category: COVID-19 Corona Virus

The Mahikeng Provincial Hospital has been decontaminated after a hospital doctor tested positive for COVID-19.

North West Department of Health said that a total of 135 staff members have been tested for COVID-19 at the hospital, of which 73 test results came back negative with 28 results still pending.

“As at Wednesday, 20 May 2020, 34 staff members were yet to collect their test results. Twenty eight staff members are in self-quarantine,” the department said in a statement on Thursday.

North West has recorded a total number of 72 COVID-19 confirmed cases, with 28 recoveries and one death.

“The total number of screenings in the province is 2 161 223 and 2 055 people screened showed COVID-19 symptoms [and] they were referred for testing. A total of 999 contacts of the 72 confirmed cases in the province were identified and 934 were successfully traced.

“Ten contacts tested positive for COVID-19, and are included in the 72 confirmed cases in the province. A total of 466 of the 999 contacts have completed 14 days monitoring period,” the department said.

No new cases have been recorded in Bojanala Platinum District in the past five day cycle of testing.

The department said that allocation and verification of COVID-19 confirmed cases in the province is an ongoing process, and the department will continuously allocate cases after verification to a specific and appropriate location within a particular municipality.

“We thank our tracing teams, nurses, doctors, paramedics and all healthcare workers who continue to serve with pride during these difficult times.”

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and her Deputy, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize, will on Friday host a webinar focusing on upholding the rights of persons with disabilities.

The webinar will be held under the theme: ‘Persons with Disabilities and COVID-19 South Africa’.

The purpose of the webinar is to conduct an interface dialogue as a direct result of the disability specific interventions undertaken by government across services and infrastructure within the COVID-19 government and civil society responses.

Small Business Development Deputy Minister Rosemary Capa will unpack economic interventions for persons with disabilities during the lockdown period and beyond.

The White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provides clear policy directives and implementation methods and guidelines, for government to implement programmes and projects to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, states that ‘Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law’.

It thus guarantees the right of persons with disabilities to equality, non-discrimination and human dignity.

The Webinar is particularly relevant because persons with disabilities who are dependent on support for their daily needs may find themselves isolated and unable to cope during lockdown measures, while those living in care facilities are particularly vulnerable, as evidenced by a number of deaths in residential care homes and psychiatric facilities.

“Persons with disabilities also continue to face discrimination and other barriers in accessing livelihood and income support, participating in online forms of education, and seeking protection from violence,” the department said.

The webinar will bring together representatives from national governments, provincial governments, academic institutions, civil society organisations, donors, United Nations agencies, private sector organizations and youth-led organisations from across the relevant sectors to have an open discussion on challenges that exist and the interventions being put in place to address these challenges.

World Health Organisation (WHO) member states have signed a resolution that calls for COVID-19 vaccines to be classified as a global public good for health in order to bring the pandemic to an end.

This follows China’s commitment made by President Xi Jinping during the two-day World Health Assembly to make the vaccine a global public good, once one is available.

“The landmark resolution underlines WHO’s key role in promoting access to safe, effective health technologies to fight the pandemic,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus.

In addition to a vaccine, the resolution highlights three other critical points. It calls for countries to ensure the fair distribution of all quality essential health technologies required to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Second, that relevant international treaties should be harnessed where needed, including the provisions of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement.

The third point encourages collaboration to promote both private sector and government-funded research and development. This includes open innovation across all relevant domains and the sharing of all relevant information with WHO.

The historic consensus resolution on COVID-19 and the way ahead comes as 106 000 cases were reported.

“In the last 24 hours, there have been 106 000 cases reported to WHO – the most in a single day since the outbreak began. Almost two thirds of these cases were reported in just four countries,” said Ghebreyesus on Wednesday.

But, in good news,  it has been particularly impressive to see how countries like the Republic of Korea have built on their experience of  the Middle East Respiratory (MERS) outbreak to quickly implement a comprehensive strategy to find, isolate, test and care for every case, and trace every contact.

This was critical to the Republic of Korea curtailing the first wave and now quickly identifying and containing new outbreaks.

At the assembly, WHO expressed concern about the rising numbers of cases in low- and middle-income countries.

Governments in the assembly outlined their primary goal of supressing transmission, saving lives and restoring livelihoods.

As the world continues to battle COVID-19, Ghebreyesus called on governments to ensure that health systems continue to function to avoid the risk brought on by the suspension of essential services, like child immunisation.

As the numbers of COVID-19 cases increase, South Africa has recorded its first death of an infant due to Coronavirus.

According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, a two-day-old was born prematurely and had lung difficulties that required ventilation support immediately.

“The mother had tested positive for COVID-19 and the child subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 as well,” Mkhize explained.

“It is important to appreciate the complexities of the underlying condition of prematurity. We extend a special word of comfort to the mother of this child and salute the neonatologists, nurses and all allied and technical personnel who had the difficult task of caring for the neonate to the end.”

The baby is among the 27 who succumbed to the COVID-19 related illnesses, which brings the total national deaths to 339 as of Wednesday.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country is 18 003, an increase of 803 in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, a healthcare worker in the Western Cape also lost their life.

“When COVID-19 claims the lives of the very people who are the bedrock of the national response, we feel the loss in so many ways.”

Mkhize has saluted health professionals who continue to serve with honour and compassion despite the risk they face in the frontline.

The total number of recoveries to date is 8 950, while 505 861 tests have been conducted with 18 252 done in the last 24-hour cycle.

During a public presentation to senior editors and journalists on Tuesday, Mkhize said without natural immunity or a vaccine, everyone is at risk of the Coronavirus infection.

“One in five sick patients may need hospital care,” he told journalists.

He also said flattening the curve is an ongoing process of reducing Coronavirus spread over an extended period.

“The reason for flattening the curve is to reduce the rate of new infections so that the peak is lowered to a level where hospitals can cope with COVID-19 cases.”

South Africa’s confirmed COVID-19 cases now stand at 16 433 with 475 071 tests having been conducted.

In a statement on Monday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said of the 475 071 tests conducted, 14 198 tests had been conducted in the last 24-hours.

South Africa also reported a further 22 COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths to 286.

“We wish to express our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the helath care workers who cared for the deceased,” said the Minister.

On case alocations, the Western Cape had 10 035 cases representing 61.1% of the total of cases with the death rate sitting at 166. Gauteng had 2 343 cases and the Eastern Cape 2 052 cases.

KwaZulu-Natal had 1 567 cases, Limpopo 88, Free State 163. Mpumalanga had 76, the North West 72, and the Northern Cape 37.

The total number of recoveries stood at 7 298.

Meanwhile, Mkhize said as government prepares for the easing of lockdown regulations, high-risk age groups and those living with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and HIV must take extra precautions and the necessary steps to avoid possible exposure to COVID-19.

The Free State government has identified 25 quarantine facilities to accommodate people who have had contact with COVID-19 patients.

“We have 10 quarantine facilities that are state-owned whilst 15 are privately-owned. The rest will be announced once ready for occupation,” Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela said.

Addressing a media briefing on Tuesday, on the province’s risk adjusted strategy on COVID-19, she said a vigorous repair and maintenance programme has been undertaken by the provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

The programme has been undertaken to improve conditions of these facilities and bring them up to an acceptable level.

“These facilities are primarily used to isolate our people who have had contact with COVID-19 patients for continuous monitoring by our health workers. In total we have almost 1 700 beds across the province. We have satisfied ourselves that all the sites are habitable and decent to accommodate people,” said the Premier.

Meanwhile, maintenance work has been completed at Phillip Sanders Resort and Transnet Lodge in Bloemfontein. As of Tuesday, 56 people have been quarantined at Phillip Sanders, while a further 129 are under quarantine at Transnet Lodge.

Maintenance work has been completed at the following resorts to be utilized for quarantine:

• Willem Pretorius in Lejweleputswa District;
• Seekoevlei and Sterkfontein Resorts in Thabo Mofutsanyane District.

The resorts will be handed over to the Department of Health on Wednesday.

The Free State has a total 165 COVID-19 confirmed cases, 115 recoveries and six deaths.

“Through the sterling work of the Provincial Department of Health, our government has to date, screened 1 352 787 people. This constitutes over 40 % of the provincial population. I am proud to announce that as of this morning, 3 302 of 3 324 contacts have been traced. The screening and tracing is ongoing as we speak,” Ntombela said.

The province has conducted 19 834 tests by the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS).

Areas where water is a challenge have also be identified. These areas have been provide with tanks and tankers.

To date; 2 622 tanks have been procured; 1 806 tanks have been delivered and 134 trucks have been procured and delivered.

Social services

Ntombela acknowledged work done by the Department of Social Development in ensuring that communities especially the homeless, are provided with shelter and food.

“Since the beginning of the lockdown, the department in partnership with municipalities distributed food parcels to vulnerable communities through the Community Nutrition Development Centres, Non-Profit Organisations, and Faith-Based Organisations.”

“In addition to the distribution of food parcels to the most vulnerable, we have also intervened in various cases related to Gender Based Violence and provided psycho-social support services to affected individuals and families,” she said.

The distribution of food parcels in the province is as follows:

• Community Nutrition Development Centre (CNDC) – 4 311
• Drop-in Centres and Protective Workshops – 6 060
• Departmental Equitable Share – 2 482
• Distribution of Food Parcels by National Lotteries Commission – 938
• Distribution of Food Parcels by South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) – 7487

The total number of homeless persons accommodated at shelters continues to fluctuate, and has since decreased from 317 to 269 due to re-unification with families and other issues.

The province has worked with various stakeholders, including taxi organisations to disinfect all the 65 formal taxi rank structures.

“To protect the drivers and the passengers in the taxi industry, we have provided the Provincial Taxi Council and Taxi Associations with disinfection gel, sanitisers, masks and gloves. We will continue to ensure that public transport modes adhere to the rules of sanitisation and social distancing. We plead with our public transport users to bear with us, and adhere to the rules,” said the Premier.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to participate in today’s virtual meeting of the African Union (AU) Contact Group of the High-Level Committee on Libya.

The meeting is at the invitation of the President of the Republic of the Congo and Chairman of the AU High-Level Committee on Libya, Denis Sassou Nguesso.

“The aim of the meeting is to take stock of progress made in relation to the resolutions of its inaugural meeting held in March 2020, in Oyo, the Republic of Congo. The Oyo resolutions included an appeal to all stakeholders in the Libyan crisis to cease violations of the UNSC Resolution 2510 on an arms embargo, terror and implementation of the conclusions and commitments of the Berlin Conference,” said the Presidency on Tuesday.

The President will partake in the meeting as Chair of the AU.

The meeting will also assess progress in relation to the National Reconciliation Conference scheduled for July 2020 under the auspices of the AU.

Other Heads of State and Government who will participate in the AU Contact Group meeting include President of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune; President of Chad Idriss Déby Itno and President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

The Contact Group was established to promote the coordination of international efforts in pursuit of a lasting solution to the Libyan crisis.

Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, has declared 136 priority human settlements and housing development areas (PHSHDAs) across the country.

This delaration will enable residents to live closer to areas with economic activities.

Sisulu said the intention is to ensure redress regarding the pre-1994 spatial plan, revitalising towns and cities and strengthening the livelihoods of households.

“At the centre of these PHSHDAs is to enable residents to live closer to areas with economic activities and social amenities such as schools, health facilities and job opportunities, as well as access to adequate accommodation,” Sisulu said on Monday.

The implementation of the PHSHDAs will be in line with the national housing programmes including Enhanced People’s Housing Process (Zenzeleni), informal settlements upgrading, Integrated Residential Development Programme and Social Housing Programme.

The PHSHDAs will cover the entire country as follows:

• Gauteng: 26

• KwaZulu-Natal: 22

• Western Cape: 19

• Mpumalanga: 16

• North West: 14

• Eastern Cape: 12

• Limpopo: 11

• Free State: 10

• Northern Cape: 6

Sisulu has also called on the private sector to partner with the department, as it continues to restore the dignity of people through integrated and inclusive human settlements.

“Over the past few years, we have successfully, as a collective, changed our country’s landscape through the delivery of over 4 million housing and housing opportunities. We have built new towns such as Savanna City, Fleurhof and Cornubia, amongst others,” said the Minister in a statement.

In the next few years, government will direct resources towards the successful roll out of these programmes.

Sisulu is of the belief that thousands of much needed job opportunities will be created as projects are rolled out.

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has paid out over R14 billion in benefits to employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

“The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), an entity of the Department of Employment and Labour, today processed and paid COVID-19 TERS [ Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme] relief payments to the tune of  R748 815 094.20 benefitting 149 263 workers, represented by 9 362 employers,” said the UIF on Monday.

“This brings to 2 551 236 the total number of workers who have been given relief during lockdown which may be in lieu of or a top up to their salaries. The total amount disbursed since 16 April 2020 has now topped R14 billion (R14 079 099 409 20). This is over and above the payments that the UIF makes to ordinary benefit payments which now stand at R1 849 992 773 21,” said UIF Commissioner, Teboho Maruping.

Maruping said that with all the necessary information and documents furnished, the Fund is now paying beneficiaries 24-hours after the claim is made at best, or 48-hours at worst.

“We are quite pleased that we are now in a position to say that the systems are in place and I would like to pay tribute to the staff members who have worked right through the clock to make it possible. We are now more confident in saying that we are on track to achieve our vision of a ‘caring, accessible and customer centric UIF that contributes towards poverty alleviation,” Maruping said.

However, Maruping noted that, this does not mean the system does not have challenges.

“When problems arise, we make sure that they do not derail us and we strive to find solutions and continuously learn and improve systems to be able to deliver for our key stakeholders – the contributors. Our commitment is to improve all the time and to pay back the trust that has been placed on us as a public insurance fund,” he said.

For further information on benefits, employers and employees can log on to UIF website www.uifecc.labour.gov.za/covid19 or reach the UIF on the toll-free number 0800 030 007.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga is expected to brief media on Tuesday, on preparations for the re-opening of schools amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

“The Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, will give an update on the preparations for the re-opening of schools during a media briefing to be held on Tuesday, 19 May 2020,” said the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on Monday.

Tuesday’s briefing is expected to outline proposed dates for the reopening of schools.

The briefing was initially scheduled for Thursday, 14 May 2020.

According to the DBE, the postponement is, to allow for further consultation with stakeholders in the education sector.

The Minister on Monday met with the Council of Education Ministers.

The briefing which is scheduled to get underway at 4pm, will be held at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) head office in Pretoria.