1. Cuba sent 217 medical personnel to South Africa to help fight COVID-19.

On Saturday, Cuba sent 217 medical personnel to South Africa, the latest of more than 20 medical teams that the country has sent around the world on a mission to fight COVID-19. Some call it "Socialist Solidarity", while others call it "Medical Diplomacy".

2. South Africa has not yet implemented its problematic COVID-19 cell phone tracking system

The Sunday Times reports that no one has been tracked by this system. Experts say South Africa's cell phone triangulation may not be powerful enough for the task.

This system cannot work well in the country’s rural areas where base stations are often several kilometers apart, said Mabel of Cyanre Digital Forensics Laboratory.

Other experts warn that South Africa simply does not have the capacity to interpret the data on the required scale.

3. South African companies respond to COVID-19 by layoffs, no pay rise, and work from home

The latest research from a global consultancy Willis Towers Watson shows that nearly three quarters (72%) of businesses in South Africa are considering cost-saving measures in pay and recruitment in response to the impact of COVID-19.

4. As many as 250,000 workers have yet to file claims! South African Government Incentive Scheme to Save Affected Enterprises

The South African Government is working to support small businesses affected by COVID-19 through various incentive schemes aimed at reducing their burden, including tax breaks and financial support schemes for small businesses and their workers.

The 140,000 SPAZA shops on the Small Business Database will be supported and the South African Department of Home Affairs is working with Riley Bank South Africa and South African Post, said South African Small Business Minister Ntchavini.

5. Significant rent cuts by South African shopping center owners

South Africa's large owner groups, including the country's largest shopping center, have significantly increased rent concessions for tenants unable to do business during the lockdown.

But agreements with some of the biggest tenants, such as Foschini Group (TFG), Truworths, Mr Price Group, Woolworths and Pepkor, remain outstanding.

6. South African businesses need to strengthen level 4 health and safety measures that operating businesses are allowed to finalize at the end of the month

The National Coronavirus Command Center says employers should take stricter health measures as the national level of preparedness approaches level 4, and corresponding individual businesses will resume operations.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced last week that the country would move up the alert from level 5 to level 4 this Friday. This change came after a five-week lockdown, which was designed to control the spread of COVID-19.

7. Online exhibition: Internet tools preferred in the epidemic era

The massive online discounts by local South African chains during the lockdown have stimulated the first wave of consumption. As local consumers gradually develop the habit of shopping online and with the increasing uncertainty of the post-epidemic era, online exhibition and shopping is picking up its pace. Like the rest of the world, South Africa has entered an accelerated period of online trade.

8. How South Africans apply to the Government for a COVID-19 grant of R350

The South African Government has confirmed that it will provide a monthly grant of R350 to millions of unemployed people. The first payment is expected to be made on May 15 and will be over in October.

The grant is available to unemployed people over 18 years of age who do not receive other forms of government grants, including the Unemployment Insurance Fund and National Student Financial Assistance Scheme.

9. As the lockdown is relaxed, South Africa’s fast-food industry is regaining momentum

While consumers are not allowed to pick up their take-out food at fast-food restaurants or eateries, they are urged to order online to keep catering businesses running.

However, not all restaurants are open during this time. Many stores face tough choices because the distribution of take-out food only generates a portion of the revenue that is not enough to cover the operating costs.

10. 103 South African police officers tested positive for COVID-19 and over 1,000 were quarantined.

More than 100 police officers in South Africa have been tested positive for COVID-19, which has resulted in the death of one police officer.

The figures appeared in a report submitted Wednesday by Major General Rabbi, head of police strategic management, to Portfolio Committee on Police and the Select Committee on Security and Justice.