South Africa reports first deaths, lockdown into effect

Fifty-seven million South Africans told to stay home during an unprecedented three-week total lockdown due to coronavirus outbreak resulting in 2 recorded deaths.

Iran Press/Africa: South Africa has started a nationwide military-patrolled lockdown, joining other African countries that have imposed strict curfews and shutdowns in an attempt to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

Some 57 million people are restricted to their homes during South Africa's three-week total lockdown which began on Friday 27 March.

South Africa so far has the highest number of detected infections in sub-Saharan Africa at more than 1,000, with two deaths, announced early on Friday by the health ministry.

Kenya, Rwanda, Mali and Nigeria are among other African countries to impose restrictions to curb transmission of the coronavirus.

Although Africa's toll is far lower than in Europe, the United States and the Middle East, health experts say the continent is especially vulnerable and the figures may be far short of the reality.

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