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Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize warned of a possible resurgence of Covid-19 as the country moves to a level 1 lockdown and said South Africans should not become complacent.
Mkhize said the country is ‘not out of the woods’ and still reports around 10,000 new coronavirus cases a week. He said the actual number of cases in the country is likely much higher.
“Before receiving the vaccine, we cannot rest. So South Africans need to know that level 1 (does not mean) that everything is over. (Instead) level 1 aims to rebuild our economy. “
The Health Minister said that while Tier 1 would also see the reintroduction of traditions and social structures, the country was now entering a ‘new normal’ and that the country is not the same as before.
“We are now in a post-Covid world and we have to take precautions. This Covid can still resurface and that is why we must not lose the message and be complacent. We still have to continue the fight, therefore, the containment measures are still in force. “
South Africa reported 1,555 new coronavirus cases on Sunday (September 20), bringing the reported total to 661,211. Deaths have reached 15,953 (an increase of 13), while recoveries have risen to 590,071, leaving the country with a balance of 55,187 active cases.
Global Covid-19 infections have reached 30.8 million confirmed, with a death toll reaching 958,000.
South Africa went into a level 1 lockdown from 0001 on Monday morning (September 21), and several sectors experienced further easing of restrictions.
Some of the eased restrictions include:
- Meetings will be allowed as long as the number of people does not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue, up to a maximum of 250 people for indoor meetings and 500 people for outdoor meetings;
- Limits on places like gyms and recreational facilities have been increased to 50% of total capacity;
- As of October 1, 2020, all travelers from the African continent and from countries outside the African continent with a low rate of infection and transmission of Covid-19 will resume, subject to regulations;
- Alcohol sales hours have been extended;
- Everyone is confined to their place of residence from 00:01 to 04:00 every day, except when a person has obtained a permit to work or is attending a medical or security emergency.
Read: What to Expect from South Africa’s New International Travel List – Minister
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