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As South Africans begin the first day of the national 21-day lockdown, the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) says it is stepping up its efforts to fight the spread of Coronavirus.

NHLS Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kamy Chetty, said the organisation has adequate testing capacity and equipment to meet the demand.

“The NHLS is pursuing various sources of supplies to obtain polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test kits and has a commitment from suppliers that South Africa will be a priority,” Chetty said.

Currently, the NHLS has six laboratories performing COVID-19 related tests. This number will increase to nine by April 2020.

In addition, the NHLS has 18 state-of-the-art Cobas 6 800 and 8 800 machines that will dramatically improve the volumes of tests that can be conducted.

Coronavirus test kit for GeneXpert

Chetty said the NHLS also has over 180 GeneXpert analysers, which will be available in all provinces for testing COVID-19 by April 2020.

The Coronavirus test kit for the GeneXpert analyser, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week. The test kit can deliver a COVID-19 diagnosis in 45 minutes.

“The advantage, according to the supplier, is that tests can be processed in 45 minutes, and the smaller machines can be placed in mobile vehicles, which makes it ideal for community testing.  It’s a pity that this new test kit was not available sooner, as it would have made a huge difference to how testing gets done. We are nevertheless pleased that it will be ready shortly,” Chetty said.

Laboratories conducting tests

The six laboratories that are currently conducting tests are the NHLS National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, which are both located in Gauteng; Groote Schuur and Tygerberg Hospitals in the Western Cape; Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal and Universitas Hospital in the Free State.

“Tshwane Academic Hospital in Gauteng, Port Elizabeth Provincial and Nelson Mandela Academic Hospitals, both in Eastern Cape, will start testing shortly,” Chetty said.

Mobile laboratories

Chetty said the NHLS has deployed six mobile laboratories to collect samples for testing.

The mobile laboratories that have been deployed as follows:

• One in the Western Cape;
• Two in the Free State;
• One in Kwazulu-Natal and
• Two in Gauteng.

Meanwhile, 20 more mobile vehicles have also been procured and will be deployed in April.

“With all the five sites functional, the NHLS has the capacity to process 5 000 samples in 24 hours. This number will increase to 15 000 in 24 hours in April.

At the end of April, the NHLS will be able to process approximately 36 000 test in 24 hours,” Chetty said.

A group of 60 German tourists has been placed under quarantine after one of them tested positive for COVID-19, said the Gauteng Health Department on Friday.

In a statement, the department said the group is now at a health facility in the province.

The development comes on the same the day the national Department of Health revealed that South Africa had recorded its first two deaths of COVID-19.

The deaths were recorded in the Western Cape.

The country’s confirmed COVID-19 cases have now tipped the 1 000 mark.

“The group had planned on leaving the country [on Thursday]. Port Health Services were alerted and responded to the situation, leading to the group being grounded,” said the department.

Forty-seven members of the group are currently under quarantine at a private facility in Gauteng.

“Due to the limited quarantine space, separate arrangements were made to have the other 15 members of the group accommodated at one of the province’s health facilities and are under quarantine,” said the department.

The department said it is disappointing that the group was not cooperative with officials. Police had to be called in to help manage the situation.

“Necessary precautions were taken with regards to the transportation to prevent exposure,” said the department.

Gauteng Health further pleaded with the public, including visitors, to adhere to the lockdown measures and protocols that government has put in place.

“It is through working together that that we will be able to disrupt the chain of transmission of the COVID-19 virus,” the department said.

Nearly 1 500 companies have registered on the online Bizportal to provide essential services during South Africa’s national lockdown.

This announcement was made by the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) in a statement on Thursday.

“Nearly 15 000 companies have already registered as providers of essential goods and services. Most of these have been in food supply, medical and pharmaceutical services, and transport services,” said the department.

The department has introduced a portal on the website run by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) to log company details only where companies comply with the regulations issued by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on 25 March 2020.

The website can be found at www.bizportal.gov.za.

This follows the earlier announcement that businesses that will be allowed to provide essential services during the 21-day national lockdown would be required to seek approval from the dti.

Meanwhile, the department clarified that registration portal is only for registered companies operating in South Africa.

“Healthcare professionals registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, sole proprietors who provide essential goods and services (like spaza shops), and small-scale farmers will not have to register through the Bizportal,” it said.

Only companies, spaza shops, healthcare professionals and farmers permitted in terms of the lockdown regulations will be allowed to continue operating through the period.

“Possession of a CIPC certificate does not constitute permission to operate during the lockdown. Companies must be guided by the regulation as to whether their business operations constitute essential services. Any misrepresentation of information is a criminal offence and will be prosecuted,” the dti warned.

The system, it said, is running with full functionality.

It also asked companies to be patient through the registration process, as there are large volumes presently being experienced.

“No companies will be prejudiced by any delay in the system,” the department said.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has expressed concern at the manner in which some media houses are engaging with inmates, using illegal means to spread false and misleading information.

“This is totally unacceptable and very disturbing as the country is mobilising all its resources in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic,” the department said in a statement.

The department said where there are cases or areas of interest, these must be reported accurately and informed by verified facts.

“As a department, we have open lines of communication and continue to grant access and prompt responses to the media when a need is registered. We are committed to maintain our professional relations with the media but we appeal to all media houses to apply caution and verify facts, especially those they receive from offenders.

“The hysteria being created by some media houses agitates flimsy and bogus cases to dominate the environment, thus placing the entire nation on the edge of what may look like an emerging crisis, while reality is the exact opposite,” said the department on Thursday.

The department said the false threat of a strike reported to be looming at correctional centres is an example of how misinformation can put the nation on the edge.

“At no point was Correctional Services ever notified by organised labour about their intention to strike, but we have unfortunately witnessed headlines about a looming strike without even a confirmation with unions or the department.”

The department expressed its commitment to work with all stakeholders, including organised labour to prevent cases of Coronavirus at its centres.

It also appealed for calm and correct reporting informed by facts.

“Fake news can only cause panic to the citizens, officials and offenders, and the media must guard against it.”

Meanwhile, the department said questions have been raised about the impact that the correctional system is likely to face during the state of disaster.

“As a department, we continue to detail our plans and respond whenever clarity is sought. Correctional Services has been very transparent, and provides updates on the situation on the ground,” the department said.

The department has activated Infection Prevention Control (IPC) measures at all management areas, with specific directives to ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is availed.

It has also pushed for the sanitisation of reception areas, cells, offices, vehicles and ablution facilities.

“We value the important role of the media during this time and we urge the media to verify all information before them, as some of the information is intended to mislead the nation,” the department said.

Two people have died as a result of Coronavirus (COVID-19), says the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

“This morning, we wake South Africans up with sad news that we now have our first deaths resulting from COVID-19,” Mkhize said in a statement on Friday.

The deaths occurred in the Western Cape: one at a private hospital and the other at a public hospital.

Mkhize said government will provide more details on these deaths when it announces the latest confirmed COVID-19 cases, which have tipped the 1 000 mark.

The deaths come as South Africa entered the first day of a 21-day national lockdown aimed at slowing down the spread of the virus.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the lockdown in a televised address to the nation on Monday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has invited all South Africans to take part in a National Day of Prayer wherever they are, in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The President made the call on the eve of the 21-day national lockdown, which will start at midnight on Thursday.

Following discussions with religious leaders, President Ramaphosa called on citizens to observe two minutes of prayer, reflection or silent meditation on 26 March 2020 between 6pm and 6:30pm.

The President said this is the moment when South Africans need to act together as one patriotic nation in solidarity with all those affected or impacted by COVID-19, not just in South Africa but around the world.

“These are challenging times. We are traversing a path we have never travelled before. There are many amongst us who are fearful, uncertain and vulnerable. I call on our people to offer a prayer and a thought for the protection and healing of our land and its people from this disease.

“Over the past two weeks, South Africans from all walks of life have demonstrated their resilience by complying with the restrictions that have been placed on their lives. Because we are in a state of national lockdown, our prayers must be offered from our hearts and in our homes,” President Ramaphosa said.

The National Day of Prayer comes in response to a proposal made by interfaith leaders, who met with the President last week to express their support for the national effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

National prayer days have been held in a number of countries this week, including parts of the US, UK, the Philippines, Kenya, Mexico and Italy.

“The international occurrence of the Coronavirus pandemic has affirmed yet again that the challenge we face is a global one and one we cannot overcome alone.

“I call on all our people, whether they are religious or not, wherever they are, on Thursday, 26 March, to observe a moment of silence in a show of social solidarity,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said the nation’s thoughts should particularly be with those in hospital, quarantine or self-isolation.

“In observing this National Day of Prayer, we also want to send a message of hope to our brave and patriotic health care workers, who are on the frontline and helping to save lives, with our emergency personnel, police, traffic officers and military, and with all those who are working tirelessly to keep us safe, healthy and alive.

“The media has been exemplary in keeping our people well-informed about the work of government in dealing with this pandemic,” the President said, noting that the hardships imposed by the national lockdown were considerable.

He said the coming weeks will sorely test the nation’s resolve and patience.

“For millions of South Africans, for whom faith is a source of hope and courage, this difficult time must strengthen and unite us as never before.”

The President also called on citizens to demonstrate their solidarity with fellow South Africans by displaying the National Flag on social media (#PrayForSouthAfrica), outside their homes and other prominent places as an act of compassion and unity during the national lockdown.

As the country gears up for the 21-day nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, the Labour Court says no matters will be heard during this period.

“With respect to access to the Labour Courts, no matters will be allocated for hearing from Friday 27 March until 16 April 2020 both days inclusive.

“Matters already allocated will not be heard and will be removed from the roll,” said the Office of the Judge President of the Labour Court.

No Judges will be available at court to consider any matter nor will any member of staff be available to receive any documents.

Urgent court matters heard on merit

With regard to urgent court matters, the Labour Court said parties must alert the Registrar explaining in full detail why the matter must be considered during the lockdown.

“The registrar will then contact the Judge on duty who will inform the registrar whether or not she or he will consider the matter and if she or he decides to entertain the matter it will be done telephonically with the other side being duly informed by the applicant where necessary,” the Office of the Judge President.

Where parties seek to bring an urgent matter the registrar to contact is as follows:

• Johannesburg   Ms. F Ntuli        fntuli@judiciary.org.za          Tel: 011 3595760
• Cape Town       Ms. F Ismail      FIsmail@judiciary.org.za      Tel:021 4249035
• Durban              Mr. T Vilakazi   TVilakazi@judiciary.org.za   Tel: 031 992 6202
• Port Elizabeth   Ms. S Gerber    SGerber@judiciary.org.za    Tel: 041 502 6635

In matters that were postponed as a result of the lockdown, parties in these matters may, through the registrars, approach the Judge President in writing for an expedited date for a new hearing.

The SA Post Office (Sapo) retail branches nationwide will stay open as normal during the 21-day nationwide lockdown so as to facilitate the payments of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) social grants.

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, on Monday President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 21-day lockdown effective midnight on Thursday for South Africa.

“… We are designated to provide this important national service and we are cognisant of the importance of social grants for a sizeable part of our population constituting mostly vulnerable people,” Sapo Acting CEO Ivumile Nongogo said.

Sapo’s social grant payment function is an essential service and is among the categories exempted from the nationwide lockdown.

In total, 882 Sapo branches have been designated to provide these services during this period.

The Post Office logistics services are included in the transportation of medical aid supplies. The logistics services business unit will continue to render those services.

“In order to minimize transmission risks, Sapo’s retail employees will be restricted to operating beyond one meter of each other.

“Measures have also been put in place to control the distance between queueing customers, as well as providing requisite queue marshalling services during peak times in the busy branches. Hygiene improving provisions such as sanitizers, gloves and masks are being made available to retail employees,” the Post Office said.

Nongogo said Sapo’s mail services, parcel deliveries and other support operations will be suspended in conformance with the 21-day lockdown.

The Post Office customer services contact centre will also not be available either by telephone or email. Customers are urged to not expect any outstanding deliveries to take place during this time.

Customers are also advised not to place any mail items in post-boxes as mail collections will be completely suspended during the lockdown.

Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) ability to publish official statistics will be impacted by the lockdown announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Statistician General Risenga Maluleke has said.

This comes after President Ramaphosa on Monday announced a national lockdown for the next 21 days in an effort to limit and curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

The lockdown will see only personnel in sectors providing essential services not restricted during this period.

It is for this reason that data collection for both economic and household surveys will not be possible, Maluleke said in a statement.

“As the lockdown goes into effect at midnight on 26 March 2020, economic and social releases scheduled for March have been brought forward to that date,” said Stats SA.

The lockdown will result in changes to data collection agency scheduled release calendar for April.

Stats SA said it would communicate in detail any data quality related issues as they arise.

“On the social statistics side, the current pandemic will not impact on the March to May releases as this fieldwork has already been completed. Data collection for all household surveys and some economic statistics may be affected if the lockdown is extended and we are unable to collect data,” read the statement.

“This lockdown is uncharted territory for all of us,” said Maluleke. “In a country with a population as vulnerable as ours, it is important that we all cooperate with our Commander-in-Chief’s call to stay home and protect each other from this virus.”

“Stats SA understands the importance of producing reliable and accurate statistics for the country, especially in light of the need to understand the impact of Covid-19 on the economy and society. Once the lockdown has been lifted, we will once again take up the task of data collection.”

“I wish to pay special thanks to our respondents and users for their understanding.”