South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that an additional 73,180 soldiers will be deployed to supplement the current 2,280 soldiers to help enforce a lockdown intended to combat the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus. Since March 27th, 2020, only essential service providers including healthcare workers and food store operators are allowed to go to work while citizens were not allowed to jog or walk dogs outside, purchase alcohol or cigarettes, nor leave home except for essential trips. However, South African authorities say that security forces have been having troubles enforcing the rules, and some stores, especially those selling alcohol, have been looted or otherwise damaged.

South Africa currently has just under 3,500 confirmed Covid-19 cases alongside 58 Covid-19-related deaths. The current lockdown restrictions apply until Thursday April 30th, though some officials are recommending extending the restrictions to prevent increases of cases.

Note: The stats and figures were retrieved from the South African National Department of Health (http://www.health.gov.za/)