For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sane Dhlamini.

Making headlines: Covid-19 cases surpass the 19 000 mark in Africa, Nxesi’s new directive further streamlines UIF Covid-19 relief scheme and, Malawi protest against Covid-19 lockdown

Covid-19 cases surpass the 19 000 mark in Africa

Although the spread of Covid-19 has been relatively slow across Africa, the number of cases on the continent has now surpassed the 19 000 mark.

North Africa is the hardest hit region with over 7 500 cases.

Egyptian health authorities have managed to conduct 25 000 tests while South Africa has conducted the most at over 90 000.

Nxesi’s new directive further streamlines UIF Covid-19 relief scheme

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has made further changes to the directives governing the Temporary Employee/Employer Relief Scheme of the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

Amongst the revised directive dated April 16 an employer is entitled to claim benefits for employees who have taken annual leave during the lockdown period and that the employer may retain these amounts, provided that it credits the employee with leave days proportionate to the value of the benefit.

Business for South Africa has welcomed the amendment, as it means there is no need to reinstate leave and place employees on unpaid leave in order to claim.

Malawi protest against Covid-19 lockdown

Malawians are protesting against the coronavirus lockdown that is set to start on Saturday.

The street vendors in Blantyre had taken to the streets, burning tyres and blocking the road demanding for the measures to cushion  the lockdown.

President Peter Mutharika declared the 21-day lockdown on Tuesday saying it may be extended beyond May 9 as circumstances warrant.

Malawi has recorded two coronavirus-related deaths and has 16 confirmed cases.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

For a news update each morning, register for Polity’s free daily newsletter