Coronavirus: South Africa Records 554 Cases

The number of infections from the coronavirus pandemic is seeing a daily increase. South Africa has a record of 554 cases, with 152 cases recorded in 24 hours.

This figure positions South Africa atop the list of African countries hit by the outbreak.

A 21-day lockdown has been initiated by the Government of South Africa, declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a bid to contain the spread of the disease.

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

“This is a decisive measure to save lives of South Africans from infections and to save lives of hundreds of thousands of our people.

“While this measure will have a considerable impact on people’s livelihoods, on the life of our society and on our economy, the human cost of delaying this action would be far, far greater. ”

The preident also mentioned that there will be laxes in the restrictions for those who have ongoing medical issues to attend to, grocery buying,  and those who want to receive their social grants.

Some businesses, however, are expected to shut down their activities, with the exception of testing labs, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, pharmacies, fuel stations, supermarkets, and those who provide healthcare services.

All those providing essential services will be allowed to clock in at work, while the country's military will be dispatched to prop the effort of the police to keep movements controlled.

READ ALSO: Coronavirus: Zimbabwe Records First Positive Case

South Africa's Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, said, “They will also develop a plan to ensure there are enough intensive care beds with respirators.

“The numbers, we mustn’t be shocked when we see them increase but these measures if we all work together must turn the curve around.”

The government assures that the total lockdown will not affect the prices of food products.