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Africa News of Friday, 27 March 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

South Africa records first coronavirus deaths

South African Police officers on face masks South African Police officers on face masks

South Africa's Health Minister, Zwelini Mkhize, has announced the country's first deaths as a result of the deadly coronavirus on Friday.

During the announcement, Mkhize revealed that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases had jumped to more than 1,000,

He said that the country recorded a double death in the Western Cape province - one at a private hospital and the other at a public hospital.

The health minister said that further details will be given in a subsequent media briefing.

The news comes as South Africa started a 21-day national lockdown on Thursday night to try and slow down the spread of the virus.

As of March 27, the number of recorded cases has risen to 542,378 and 24,368 deaths across the world, according to Worldometer.

BBC