Coronavirus: Global
coronavirus cases are over 4.3 million, with around 300,000 deaths. South
Africa’s latest figures are total confirmed cases at 12,739, with deaths up to
238, and recoveries at 5,676.
Level 3 consultations:
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that the country isn’t
stuck at level 4 lockdown, and that consultations on the move to level 3 will
start today. Consultations will start with Nedlac, before moving to the provinces
on Saturday, before moving on to other parties involved. The president said
that those eager for the sale of alcohol and cigarettes to return, will have to
wait until the consultation process is completed.
Hunger games: South
Africa’s lockdown restrictions will be determined by district, says Health
Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize. South Africa will assign levels of lockdown
restrictions for each of the country’s roughly 50 districts, depending on the
number of active coronavirus infections there, he said. Government will review
the restrictions for each district every two weeks – though it is not yet clear
what limitations, if any, there will be on movement between districts.
SAA truce: The
Department of Public Enterprises and SAA’s business rescue practitioners have
signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to work together in resolving the
crisis at the failed airline. In terms of the agreement, the administrators
said they would not engage in the unilateral sale of SAA’s assets – or negotiate
such – without consultation with and approval from the department. The two
parties have also agreed to work on a rescue plan.
Township heat: Gauteng
premier David Makhura says that the coroavirus is in the province’s townships,
and is deeply concerned that they are swiftly becoming the new hotspots for
outbreaks. While the virus outbreak is concentrated in suburbs, particularly
Joburg’s wealthier norther suburbs, the pattern of infection is now shifting,
he said, with more infections now being reported in the townships. He said this
is particularly concerning because even small numbers in townships can blow up
really quickly.
Markets: South Africa’s
rand weakened on Thursday as demand for emerging currencies continued to ebb
due to growing concerns over the impact of the coronavirus on the global
economy. The currency also lost strength after President Cyril Ramaphosa hinted
on Wednesday evening that metropolitan areas might remain on an “alert level 4”
lockdown. On Friday the rand was at R18.46 to the dollar, R22.55 to the pound
and R19.95 to the euro.
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