The streets are desolate, the authorities are in full force, and the government once again reiterated its stance that the lockdown is a crucial measure to save lives.

The number of positive cases jumped to 1 187, with 13 medical staff members testing positive.

The Department of Health also conceded that its supply of flu vaccines is not enough, and health staff will therefore be given priority. 

The army, meanwhile, called on reservist soldiers and medics to join the already deployed SANDF members to aid their fight against Covid-19.

Here are our top stories from Saturday, as the country observed the second day of the historic national lockdown.

A 70-year-old Free State doctor is  fighting for his life in ICU with the coronavirus. The Department of Health was concerned that the doctor is one of 13 medical staff members across the country to get the virus. 

A Cape Town man has been  arrested for circulating fake information which said there is no coronavirus outbreak in South Africa, Police Minister Bheki Cele has said.

Police arrested a man who tested positive for the coronavirus but ignored a government directive that he self-isolate, and instead travelled from Gauteng to Limpopo and interacted with others.

SAPS also tracked down and arrested a Pretoria man who videoed himself at a large gathering, where he and others were drinking in public. Public drinking and gatherings more than 100 people are outlawed during the lockdown.

The Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, has  clarified the government’s stance on moving children between parents during the lockdown, saying it is forbidden. There has been a lot of confusion regarding co-parenting during the lockdown, but Zulu says a child will have to stay put for the 21 days. 

A court  ruled against a Mbombela man who sought an order which would allow him to travel to the Eastern Cape to attend his grandfather’s funeral. Karel Willem van Heerden’s grandfather had died in a fire in Hofmeyr in the Eastern Cape and that the funeral will be held some time next week. 

South Africans stuck abroad will likely not be back anytime soon, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has warned. This as South Africa and other countries ground flights to stop the spread of the coronavirus. 

The Department of Basic Education has given its assurance that the school year will not go down the drain because of the interruptions brought on by the coronavirus.