For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: Covid-19 cases rise to 709; Sisulu says government has a plan to curb the spread of the virus in informal settlements; And, SAA to suspend all domestic flights from Friday as South Africa goes into lockdown

Covid-19 cases rise to 709

South Africa now has 709 confirmed cases of Covid-19, up from the 554 cases from the previous day, health minister Zweli Mkhize said today.

The rise represents a 28 percent day-on-day change, compared with the previous 38 percent day-on-day increase.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday night announced a nationwide 21-day lockdown from midnight on Thursday to try and curb the spread of Covid-19.

The minister urged people not to travel during the Easter weekend.

Sisulu says government has a plan to curb the spread of the virus in informal settlements

Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said government has a plan in place to address overcrowded areas which make social distancing and self-isolation impossible.

She said the government could not share details of how it planned to "de-densify" some areas as consultations with affected communities have not taken place yet.

Sisulu explained that land had already been identified and the government needed to consult and ensure citizens understood why it was crucial to move people living in densely populated areas.

She said the spread of this virus was dire, adding that by the time it gets to informal settlements, it will be hard to control it.

And, SAA to suspend all domestic flights from Friday as South Africa goes into lockdown

National carrier South African Airways said it would suspend all its domestic flights from Friday until April 16 in compliance with a 21-day government lockdown announced by President to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Last Friday SAA announced the suspension of all intercontinental and Africa regional flights until May 31.

It said it would provide support to passengers intending to change their travel plans and commence their journeys before the implementation of the national lockdown.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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