Spokesperson for the municipality, Sello Matsie, says although other municipal services will be affected, essential ones will be made available. He, in a statement, outlines that those needing assistance with the burial of their loved ones will also be assisted at the West End Offices, but should note that relatives attending funerals will be limited. 

Matsie's statement comes just a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the three-week national lockdown in an effort to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. This as the number of positive cases in South Africa now stands at 554. 

Ramaphosa announced that during the lockdown period, which will commence on Thursday at midnight, only essential personnel such as doctors, nurses, and police will report for duty while the rest of the country will only be allowed to leave their homes for essential needs such as seeking medical care and necessities such as food. 

OFM News earlier reported that the Northern Cape is the only province in central South Africa which has not recorded new cases today. This is the number of positive cases in the Free State has increased by 5, pushing the total number to 18, while the North West has now recorded another case, bringing their total to 5.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced that Gauteng remains the epicentre with over 300 cases, followed by the Western Cape with over 100 cases, and KwaZulu-Natal with 80.

OFM News