Topline: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in another “family meeting” on Tuesday evening that although the country will not be moving from Alert Level one, heavy restrictions would be put in place for this upcoming Easter Weekend.
Key Facts
- Officially it has been over a year since South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced that country would be going into a hard lockdown to mitigate the spread of the global pandemic, Covid-19.
- However, the president made it clear that the number of cases has remained “relatively stable” but warns the country should not be complacent.
- “The number of hospitalizations is declining, as is the number of deaths. Our national recovery rate stands at slightly higher than 95%,” Ramaphosa said in his address.
- With that being said, alcohol sales for this weekend will be restricted to curb “reckless behavior” over the long weekend. On-site sales at restaurants, shebeens, and bars will still be allowed but just up until 23:00.
- In addition to that, Ramaphosa also announced that South Africa has secured another 20 million dosages of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. In the middle of February, South Africa began Phase 1 of its vaccination program, which involves the vaccination of health workers. This phase is on track to be completed within three months. Phase 2 is scheduled to start in mid-May.
Crucial Quote
“Any action that puts ourselves or others at risk must be avoided. The restrictions that are in place for our collective health and safety must be observed. Let us be a responsible nation that is forever aware of the presence of the virus. Let us remain at home or in small groups. Let us avoid being in large crowds and places with poor ventilation. Let us not go to funerals unless we are immediate family and not visit the homes of the bereaved. We all have a role in this great national effort to end COVID-19,” Ramaphosa pleaded with South Africa.