South Africa reports first two coronavirus deaths as nationwide lockdown begins
South Africa reported its first two coronavirus deaths and over 1,000 cases Friday, as the country begins a 21-day lockdown.
Soldiers and police are out on patrol in Johannesburg and telling the city’s homeless that they will be transported to designated shelters.
Phillip Dyantyi, a homeless man originally from the country’s Eastern Cape Province, told CNN that he and others are willing to go to shelters but authorities haven’t offered details. So for now they sit in large groups waiting for the next move.
In a televised address to the nation on Monday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced South Africa will be under a 21-day lockdown beginning midnight Thursday, calling on the country to “urgently and dramatically” escalate its response.
