Good Morning, SA | SA diplomats sue over Covid, B&B owners beaten by massive losses

SA diplomats in Europs have asked the Labour Court to allow them to stay because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and B&B owners take huge losses as tourists cancel bookings.

View Online Good Morning, SA Covid-19 continues to impact our country as two diplomats sue to remain in Europe because of the pandemic, B&B owners take a financial beating, and amid all that, record infections concern Minister Mkhize. SHELDON MORAIS, ASSISTANT EDITOR: BREAKING NEWS Diplomats take govt to Labour Court over refusal to return to work in SA amid Covid-19 surge The story: Diplomats Suhayfa Soobedar, minister plenipotentiary in Brussels, and Titi Nxumalo, consul-general in Milan, have argued in the Labour Court that travelling home now, while there is a surge in reported Covid-19 infections in Europe and in South Africa, will place them in danger. The context: Soobedar and Nxumalo were supposed to have returned in June already, when their four-year terms came to an end, but due to hard lockdown, there were no flights at the time. They were granted an extension until 15 December. What was said: "If this application succeeds, it will undoubtedly open the floodgates for all government officials to contend that they suffer from comorbidities and consequently have a right of refusal to return to the workplace," Dirco lawyers argued in the Labour Court. Read More Lockdown: Beach bans batter coastal towns' economies as hotels, resorts lose big The story: The moment President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the closure of beaches during the busy festive period to contain Covid-19 spread, beach resorts and guest houses in coastal towns of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape began losing millions as holidaymakers started cancelling their bookings. How we know: In the 36 hours after the announcement of the adjusted Level 3 lockdown, small accommodation providers lost 2 624 bookings, according to NightsBridge, which provides B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels through online booking services. What was said: "In addition, small coastal towns are starting to see an exodus of visitors. We're saddened that heavy-handed restrictions on using beaches, rivers, lakes and dams - no matter the local situation - caused many holiday goers to cancel their plans," said Theresa Emerick, managing director of NightsBridge. Read More Covid-19: SA records highest daily increase after 17 710 new cases The story: South Africa has recorded the highest number daily number of new Covid-19 infections, with 17 710 new cases reported on Wednesday. How we know: In his daily report, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said that the positivity rate was 33%. What was said: "The positivity rate, being an indicator of the rapidity of spread, remains of major concern," said Mkhize. Read More News for You NEWS Covid-19 in KZN: Simelane-Zulu denies claims there are no beds for patients More than 140 people have died in KwaZulu-Natal in the past 24 hours due to Covid-19, bringing the overall death toll to 4 278. NEWS Two white rhino killed and dehorned at Limpopo game reserve Police are looking for those responsible for the killing and dehorning of two white rhino at a Limpopo game reserve. NEWS All travellers entering SA must produce Covid-19 test results - Motsoaledi The Department of Health says it will deploy additional officials to all ports of entry to ensure that only travellers with valid tests are allowed into the country. Why we're not reopening the Covid-19 hospital at CTICC in Cape Town Western Cape Premier Alan Winde responds to questions about why the CTICC field hospital in Cape Town has not been reopened. ALAN WINDE, WESTERN CAPE PREMIER Must-read in lifestyle This experimental and ambitious TV show is definitely only for adventurous viewers A man and a woman have their work cut out for them as they make separate journeys to a mysterious island off the British coast. Read more 4x4 Trails | Exploring Botrivier's old railway line and cradling mountains surrounding it Botrivier may be a little town just off the N2 outside Cape Town, but there are plenty of gems hidden in its mountain ranges. Read more 'I didn't want her to die': Brave seven-year-old rescues baby sister from devastating fire Read more Wife befriends the woman her husband had an affair with following his sudden death Sometimes life does a 360 and what seemed like a crisis situation turns out beautifully. Read more In the rest of the world Drug regulator denies Covid-19 vaccine link after elderly Swiss person dies after taking a shot: Swiss drugs regulator swissmedic denies a link between the death of a 91-year-old person. Read more Covid-19 | England delays school returns, 'non-essential' shops close as new variant surges: Tighter coronavirus restrictions will be extended across England from Thursday. Read more China is guarding its Yunnan bat caves against scientists seeking the origins of Covid-19: Chinese authorities prevented BBC and AP journalists from accessing caves in Yunnan. Some scientists had their samples confiscated, The AP said. Read more DOWNLOAD THE NEWS24 APP CONNECT WITH US

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