South Africa has announced 572 new coronavirus-related deaths, a record daily tally that brought its total number of fatalities to 5,940.
The announcement by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on Wednesday came as the country – the worst-affected in Africa and among the top five in the world in terms of confirmed cases – saw its overall tally of infections rise to 394,948.
Almost half the total number of deaths have been reported in the Western Cape province, while the majority of positive cases are in Gauteng province – South Africa’s financial hub and epicentre of the outbreak.
But late on Wednesday, the South African Medical Research Council reported a sharp rise in overall numbers of natural deaths, suggesting the actual toll of coronavirus-related fatalities might be higher than officially reported.
Restaurant Association of South Africa CEO Wendy Alberts said nearly a third of restaurants had already shuttered since the onset of lockdown, and more closures were looming.
“What the government has put in place has been knee-capping. It has literally wiped out our dinner trade. It’s decimating our industry,” Sean Barber, founder of the Rockets chain of restaurants, told AFP news agency.
Restaurant Association of South Africa CEO Wendy Alberts said nearly a third of restaurants had already shuttered since the onset of lockdown, and more closures were looming.
She said businesses want the government to urgently consider lifting the liquor ban and curfew, among other demands.
“We want them [the government] to consider just giving us a glass or two of wine with a main meal ordered. We want them to take the curfew away, [and] to allow us to just let our businesses to survive this,” said Jo-Ann Hinis, co-owner of Espresso cafe and bistro in Johannesburg.
