“Lockdown cannot be sustained indefinitely, our people need to eat,” said Ramaphosa.
Johannesburg – South Africans will finally be able to leave their homes come the end of April after President Ramaphosa on Thursday night announced a relaxation of the national coronavirus lockdown which has been in place since late March.
The announcement means that from May 1 the stringent lockdown regulations that has meant that only essential workers were able to leave their homes will now be relaxed.
Addressing millions of South Africans, Ramaphosa said South Africa had undertaken strict lockdown measures to save tens of thousands of lives in the country.
He said there was clear evidence that the lockdown was working, and that it slowed the progression of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa, but the country had to get working again.
He also mentioned that the World Health Organisation had commended South Africa for its swift action against the spread of the virus, as the country relied on scientific data and advice to make the decision.
“Lockdown cannot be sustained indefinitely, our people need to eat,” said Ramaphosa.
The president said when the lockdown is lifted on Friday, May 1, it would resume on Level 4 of the country’s risk adjusted strategy.
Ramaphosa warned that there was still much they did not know about the virus in South Africa and that people would still be required to adhere to social distancing and good hygiene practise.
He said the abrupt lifting of restrictions could cause chaos and they were averting that by using a staggered approach to return to normality.
Level 5 – Most drastic measures
Level 4 – Some activity allowed to resume
Level 3 – Easing restrictions on work and social
Level 2 – Physical distancing
Level 1 – Most normal activity can resume with precaution and health guidelines
The various stages of the new risk adjusted strategy.
Earlier this week, Ramaphosa unveiled a R500bn economic and social relief package in response to the deadly coronavirus that has shuttered the economy and seen millions of people lose their incomes.
The response he announced on Tuesday includes R100bn to protect and create jobs, R50bn in temporary social relief, R40bn for the health response and emergency water supply, increased sanitisation of public transport and facilities, food and shelter for the homeless.
Ramaphosa also secured a R200bn loan guarantee scheme with major banks, the National Treasury and the SA Reserve Bank to cover companies’ operational costs such as salaries, rent and payment of suppliers.
IOL
A time for patience, there is no person who does not want to go back to normal life. There is no student who deosnt want to return to their classroom.
Make great sacrifices for our own futurs, can enjoy freedom and prosperity, demonstrate what a nation can achieve
Do not give up now, remain united, continue to stay home, stay safe.
