Since the first case was reported in March, the country’s total coronavirus infections have spiked to 1 million, reported the South African Department of Health on Sunday evening.
“Anyone who says COVID-19 is not a serious issue, are those who have not come into contact with someone who has had the virus,” South African Health Minister, Dr. Zweli Mkhize stated on Twitter this morning.
This puts further strain on the country as recently the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the nation placing stricter restrictions “with immediate effect” on December 14.
“If we don’t do things differently, this will be the last Christmas for many South Africans,” said Ramaphosa.
Some of the restrictions included the closure of beaches and public parks in the Eastern Cape and the Garden Route in the Western Cape for the duration of the festive season from December 16 to January 3. The curfew now starts at 11 PM and end at 4 AM. Restaurants and bars have to close at 10PM so that staff and patrons can get home before the enforcement of the curfew. Alcohol sales have also been restricted. Retail outlets are only permitted to sell alcohol between 10AM and 6PM from Monday to Thursday.
However, Dr. Zweli Mkhize further said that “One cannot speculate on the restrictions that will now be. ”
This is a developing story.