Cape Town – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended level 4 of the Covid-19 lockdown by another two weeks.
Ramaphosa said this on Sunday, as he addressed the nation, following meetings of the National Command Council, the President’s Coordinating Council, and Cabinet.
“When I last addressed you, I indicated that we would assess the situation after 14 days and determine what adjustments may be required. As things stand now, infections remain extremely high,” said Ramaphosa.
Consequently, Cabinet after consultation with the provinces has decided to maintain the country at Adjusted Alert Level 4 for another 14 days.https://t.co/5djUXJq8ai
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 11, 2021
He said with the fast-spreading Delta variant, the country was experiencing a third wave that was more severe than the first and second waves.
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“For the last two weeks, the country has consistently recorded an average of nearly 20 000 daily new cases.
“At present, the country has over 200 000 active Covid-19 cases. In the last two weeks over 4 200 South Africans have lost their lives to Covid-19,” Ramaphosa said.
He said the country’s health system remained under pressure, with Gauteng accounting for more than half of new infections.
Infections were also rapidly increasing in the Western Cape, Limpopo, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
“By next week, daily hospital admissions across the country are likely to reach the levels observed during the peak of the first two waves.
“Covid-19 related deaths in hospitals are also increasing, and have surpassed those observed at the peak of the first wave.
“Consequently, Cabinet after consultation with the provinces has decided to maintain the country at Adjusted Alert Level 4 for another 14 days,” said Ramaphosa.
This means that from now until the 25th of July, the following measures will remain in place:
- All social, political, religious and other gatherings remain prohibited.
- A curfew remains in place from 9pm until 4am, and only those with permission to do so may leave their homes during this time.
- The sale of alcohol remains prohibited.
- Schools will remain closed until the 26th of July.
- It remains mandatory to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth whenever you are in public.
- Certain other venues, such as gyms and fitness centres, may also open and activities such as agricultural livestock and game auctions will be allowed, subject to the conditions outlined in regulations.
- Restaurants and eateries will be able to operate while observing strict health protocols. Such establishments may not accommodate more than 50 people at a time or, for smaller venues, more than 50% of their normal capacity.
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Written by Betha Madhomu
