Association warns, however, that while the move to Level 2 is welcomed, people must not think this is the end of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
THE SOUTH African Medical Association (Sama) has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that the country will move to Covid-19 lockdown Level 2 as of midnight on Monday “as a step in the right direction for the country”.
“This is the correct decision by government and signals a major shift in the country’s response to the coronavirus. We are happy with this decision and believe it will go some way to begin addressing some of the economic issues our country currently faces,” Sama chairperson Dr Angelique Coetzee said on Sunday.
It was particularly important for Sama that Ramaphosa acknowledged the role of doctors and health care workers in dealing with the coronavirus, and the sacrifices many had made in fighting the pandemic.
“Our doctors are on the front line of fighting Covid-19 and continue to put themselves and their families at risk every time they leave for work. We applaud these courageous men and women for their dedication and commitment to the health of the nation. We stand with the president in recognising these efforts and similarly express our condolences to those who have died in the service of others,” Coetzee said.
While Sama supported the move to Level 2, it also endorsed Ramaphosa’s call for people to continue wearing face masks, washing and sanitising their hands, and practising social distancing.
“It’s extremely important that South Africans understand that we are not rid of this coronavirus, and that the road ahead remains long and uncertain. Moving to Level 2 is welcomed, but people must not think this is the end of the fight against the pandemic. We must all still play our role in curbing the spread of coronavirus and ensure we are all still safe going forward,” Coetzee said.
– African News Agency (ANA)
