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JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa announced localized restrictions in Nelson Mandela Bay from midnight to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The National State of Disaster will last until January 15, 2021.
The president said three areas of the country are of particular concern: Nelson Mandela Bay, Sarah Baartman District in the Eastern Cape and the Garden Route in the Western Cape.
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Ramaphosa said many factors have contributed to the surges, including interprovincial and intraprovincial travel, the movement of seasonal workers, large numbers of social, cultural and religious gatherings attended by more people than allowed by Level 1 restrictions.
Funerals and “after-tears” parties were highlighted as potential high-profile events.
The president said alcohol-related hospital admissions have reduced hospital capacity.
Ramaphosa said the lack of mask use, poor observance of social distancing and hygiene steps are the main factors contributing to the resurgence of the virus.
“Our main problem is that there are parts of our country where people are not complying with current restrictions and basic prevention measures are not being followed.
“The most urgent task before us at this time is to contain the increase in infections in the affected districts in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, and to ensure that a similar situation does not develop in other parts of the country,” he said.
To cope with the increase in infections, the government will aim to increase the available capacity in hospitals and clinics, expanding public health interventions and awareness campaigns.
Additional measures will be implemented in areas identified as coronavirus hot spots.
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Inside Nelson Mandela Bay, a curfew will be implemented from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Alcohol sales here are restricted from 10am to 5pm. M. At 6 p. M. From Monday to Thursday. The consumption of alcohol in public spaces is prohibited.
Religious gatherings on the subway are restricted to 100 people when held indoors and 250 people when held outdoors.
Post-funeral gatherings are prohibited.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize will visit Sarah Baartman District and Garden Route to assess the situation and interact with various stakeholders in the province.
