President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed rumours that the country will be returning to Level 3 of lockdown in the wake of an increase in Covid-19 cases and a possible second wave.
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has denied that the country will move back to Level 3 or Level 4 after it emerged that there were increases in Covid-19 infections due to social gatherings.
But Ramaphosa told Parliament yesterday that he will address the nation next week on the next course of action.
Government departments have raised concern about the increase in new cases of infections.
Ramaphosa said they were monitoring the situation and that medical advisers were providing an input on what was going on.
He said that despite the rumours doing the rounds that the country would return to Level 3 or Level 4, this was not the case.
The coronavirus infections have in the past few months been declining but Ramaphosa warned that with the December period coming they will keep an extra eye on things.
“With regard to these rumours that are going around, with regard to whether we are going to Level 1, Level 5 or Level 3, I would like to say that we are continuing to actively analyse and manage the situation with the assistance of the medical advisory group, where they are analysing the incidents of infections as they are unfolding throughout the country. We are, I must say, beginning to see some signs that are of concern to us,” said Ramaphosa.
He said many people were not adhering to the Covid-19 health protocols, and that it was important that they stick to the protocols to prevent the spread of the disease.
He added that they have been reading reports of events, including parties, where there has been a spread of the disease.
“I received a report today, I want to look at the report very closely and have an opportunity in the coming days, possibly next week, of being able to address the people of South Africa about what we now need to do in light of what we are going though.
“I don’t want to be alarmist. I don’t want our people to be alarmed with rumours such as that we are going to Level 3. That is not true,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa also spoke against Covid-19 corruption saying the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has presented him with two reports on these matters.
He said the reports will be released at the appropriate time to avoid compromising ongoing investigations and lawsuits in the Special Tribunal to recover the funds.
Ramaphosa said the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority and the SIU were all working together to fight Covid-19 corruption.
Several people have been arrested for these cases and the Hawks have promised more arrests.
