South Africa Begins Lockdown, Reports First Two Coronavirus Deaths

South Africa recorded its first two deaths from the coronavirus on Friday after a three-week nationwide lockdown began. The Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize  said, “This morning we wake South Africans up with sad news that we now have our first deaths resulting from COVID - 19." President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the 57- strong population of Africa’s most industrialised nation to stay at home for 21 days, joining other countries across the continent which have imposed strict measures to halt the spread of the disease . But many people defied the order which came into effect at midnight Thursday, lining up outside food stores or at bus terminals . South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “ The lockdown is a good thing for the country , even though I feel that a lot of people and taking it for granted , saying this virus is not for us… which is bad because by the time we wake up this thing will have spread enormously in the country, ”  (AFP )