Covid-19 update: number of cases in SA jumps to 709; health minister concerned about church infections

Latest number of confirmed cases in South Africa: 709

The number of coronavirus, or SARS-Cov-2, cases in South Africa jumped to 709 on Wednesday, the single largest jump since the virus was first reported in the country. 

Health minister Zweli Mkhize said he is particularly concerned about the 50 people who tested positive after attending the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast by the Divine Restoration Ministries in Bloemfontein on March 10. 

Meanwhile, South Africans are preparing for a national lockdown to commence on Friday in a bid to slow the spread fo the virus. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the 21-day lockdown on Monday to ensure the health system is not overwhelmed. 

The lockdown will shut down most South African industries, aside from essential services in safety and security, food and distribution and telecommunications and electricity. 

All South Africans will be urged to stay at home and avoid physical contact during this time.

We urge all of you to stay home!