South Africa orders schools closed as COVID-19 spreads

JOHANNESBURG

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday ordered the closure of schools and suspended visits by family members of prisoners to all correctional facilities across the country as the deadly novel coronavirus spread in Africa’s most advanced economy.

"Gatherings of more than 100 people will be prohibited. Mass celebrations of upcoming national days such as Human Rights Day and other large government events will be cancelled," Ramaphosa said in a statement.

He added that schools will be closed from Wednesday and will remain shut until after Easter weekend.

At least 61 people in the country have tested positive for