Covid-19 update: France doubles down with second national lockdown
France has elected to return to lockdown conditions this week in light of its soaring Covid-19 death toll rates. Briefly.co.za explores the latest Covid-19 updates in South Africa on the coronavirus pandemic.
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While President Cyril Ramaphosa has denied plans to return to a strict lockdown, France has seen this become reality.
The European nation has seen a dramatic spike in fatalities in recent days, similar to what was seen in April this year.
Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates below:
Source: UGC
1. France imposes second lockdown
France will be heading back to national lockdown this week in an attempt to limit the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
French President Emmanuel Macron held an address on Wednesday evening to announce the move, which is set to last until at least 1 December.
The newly implemented restrictions are similar to those first imposed by the French government when infections and fatalities had first hit its peak, however, most schools will remain open during this period.
Ahead of the address, France had recorded 523 new fatalities over the course of 24 hours, the highest toll recorded since April.
Medical experts have also warned that intensive care units are running the risk of being overwhelmed amid the spike.
2. Mkhize on latest statistics
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has provided South Africans with another update on the Covid-19 statistics.
In a statement issued by the Department of Health on Wednesday, Mkhize confirmed the latest spike in infections:
"As of today, the cumulative number of detected Covid-19 cases is 719 714 with 1 863 new cases identified since the last report."
As for fatalities, the minister reported that another batch of deaths had indeed been reported:
"Regrettably, we report 58 COVID-19 related deaths today: 18 from Eastern Cape, 2 from Gauteng, 3 from the Free State, 12 from KwaZulu Natal, 7 from Limpopo, 6 from Northern Cape and 10 from Western Cape. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 19 111."
Mkhize noted that recoveries now stand at 648 654 which translates to a recovery rate of 90%
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected rumours that the nation is set to move back to Level 3 of the national lockdown.
Speaking during a Q and A session in the National Council of Provinces, Ramaphosa responded to the talk of restrictions tightening:
"I don't want people to be alarmed. That is simply not true. If it gets there, I will advise the nation."
Ramaphosa encouraged citizens to double down on preventative measures especially heading into the festive season.
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Source: Briefly News
