The number of confirmed coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in South Africa has shot up to 927. This was an increase of 218 from yesterday’s total of 709 cases. The number of confirmed covid-19 cases seem to be increasing at a faster rate.

Below is the statement released by South Africa’s Minister of Health Dr Zwelini Mkhize which outlines the distribution of the coronavirus cases by province.

26 March 2020

As of today, the confirmed cases if COVID-19 in South Africa have risen by 218. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 927.

The Provincial breakdown is as follows

Gauteng – 409

Western Cape – 229

KwaZulu Natal – 134

Free State – 49

North West – 5

Mpumalanga -9

Limpopo – 6

Eastern Cape – 5

Nothern Cape – 2

Unallocated – 79

Dr Zwelini Mkhize

Minister of Health

End…

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In a few hours time, South Africa will be going under a 21-day national lockdown in a bid to slow the outbreak of the deadly disease.  This extreme measure was announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday.

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• From midnight on Thursday 26 March until midnight on Thursday 16 April, all South Africans will have to stay at home.

• The categories of people who will be exempted from this lockdown are the following: health workers in the public and private sectors, emergency personnel, those in security services – such as the police, traffic officers, military medical personnel, soldiers – and other persons necessary for our response to the pandemic.
• It will also include those involved in the production, distribution and supply of food and basic goods, essential banking services, the maintenance of power, water and telecommunications services, laboratory services, and the provision of medical and hygiene products. A full list of essential personnel will be published.

• Individuals will not be allowed to leave their homes except under strictly controlled circumstances, such as to seek medical care, buy food, medicine and other supplies or collect a social grant.
• Temporary shelters that meet the necessary hygiene standards will be identified for homeless people. Sites are also being identified for quarantine and self-isolation for people who cannot self-isolate at home.
• All shops and businesses will be closed, except for pharmacies, laboratories, banks, essential financial and payment services, including the JSE, supermarkets, petrol stations and health care providers.

• Companies that are essential to the production and transportation of food, basic goods and medical supplies will remain open.
• We will publish a full list of the categories of businesses that should remain open.

• Companies whose operations require continuous processes such as furnaces, underground mine operations will be required to make arrangements for care and maintenance to avoid damage to their continuous operations.
• Firms that are able to continue their operations remotely should do so.
• Provision will be made for essential transport services to continue, including transport for essential staff and for patients who need to be managed elsewhere.