South Africa records first deaths from coronavirus

South Africa has reported its first two deaths from coronavirus just as the number of confirmed cases rise to 1,000.

Zweli Mkhize, the country’s health minister, made this known on Friday.

“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.

He said the deaths occurred in Western Cape province, with one in a public hospital and the other in a private hospital.

The minister promised to release more details later “when we announce the latest confirmed COVID-19 cases, which have increased from yesterday’s number and have tipped the 1,000 mark”.

In a bid to halt the spread, President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered a 21-day lockdown which started midnight on Thursday.

But residents will be allowed to leave their homes to seek medical care, buy food or collect a social grant.

All shops and businesses are to close, with the exemption of essential items stores. Health workers, emergency personnel and security services will also be allowed to work.

Security forces have begun enforcing the nationwide lockdown with the authorities warning that anyone who violates the rules faces six months’ imprisonment or a heavy fine.

“If people are not complying, the military may be forced to take extraordinary measures,” Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the defence minister, said.

South Africa has the highest number of coronavirus cases in Africa.

According to the African Center for Diseases Prevention and Control (CDC), the death toll in Africa from the virus increased to 72 on Thursday from 64 a day earlier.

Paul Nkengasong, African CDC chief, said the pandemic was moving from “threat” to “disaster” in Africa as the cases and deaths keep increasing.

The number of cases in Africa is about 2,746 in 46 countries.