South Africa arrests 55 for flouting coronavirus lockdown

Fifty-people were arrested on the first day of South Africa's coronavirus-induced lockdown, Police Minister Bheki Cele says, warning that those who violate the measure will face "the full might of the law".

Some of those arrested were having "street bashes", while others were caught sitting in groups and drinking alcohol, according to the South African Police Service.

"This war we find ourselves in is not a war against any citizen of this country, but is a war against a common enemy – the coronavirus," Mr Cele said.

"Whoever breaks the law and chooses to join the enemy against the citizens will face the full might of the law."

South Africa introduced a three-week lockdown on Thursday night in a bid to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.

Only essential services are operational, such as supermarkets and medical services. The country's borders are also closed.

Coronavirus: what you need to know

How is coronavirus transmitted?

The human coronavirus is only spread from someone infected with COVID-19 to another. This occurs through close contact with an infected person through contaminated droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with contaminated hands or surfaces.

What are the symptoms of someone infected with coronavirus?

Coronavirus patients may experience flu like symptoms such as a fever, cough, runny nose, or shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress.

Reported with AAP.