South Africa will be on a 21-day lockdown from Thursday midnight.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested negative for COVID-19 after he was submitted for testing as a precautionary measure.

At the same time, businesses providing essential services must get government approval to operate during the 21-day lockdown.

This is according to Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel.

The complete set of rules and regulations have been gazetted.

Businesses can apply for permits through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission's Bizportal website.

The certificates will also allow employees to have unrestricted movement to ply their trade.

South Africa has 709 confirmed coronavirus cases.

eNCA