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President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation on temporary lockdown measures for next Easter weekend, the City Press reports, citing government inside information.
He is expected to convene a “family reunion” on Sunday evening (March 28) or Monday (March 29), following the conclusion of the ANC National Executive Committee meetings.
Government spokesman Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said that the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) was considering proposals made this week by various advisory panels, and that the president would make an announcement once a decision was made.
She told City Press that any decision made will be temporary and would put lives and livelihoods first.
Because the third wave of Covid-19 exists only as a threat for now, with new infections and active cases still low, NCCC members have been lobbying against any proposed restrictions that could disrupt their portfolios.
The blocking restrictions that are being considered include:
- Curfew setting: extended from 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM;
- Restriction of the alcohol trade: Monday to Thursday, from 10:00 to 18:00;
- Limiting meetings to 50 people.
Ntshavheni told City Press that all the proposals are being duly considered.
The alcohol industry has warned against any restrictions on the sale of alcohol, arguing that the measures should only be considered if there is pressure on hospitals.
The South African Liquor Brand Owners Association (SALBA) said the pandemic and three previous alcohol bans have highlighted the alcohol industry and any problems associated with the harm of alcohol.
“While it is undeniable that some people have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol that could lead to harmful behavior, pointing to alcohol as the root of all trauma is wrong. Compared to the evidence, the negative impact of a new blanket ban on alcohol seems unjustifiable, “he said.
To attribute the drop in trauma admissions to alcohol bans, the influence of all the other regulatory changes imposed, such as curfew and meeting restrictions, must also be controlled, he said.
“The alcohol restrictions were imposed at the same time as the curfew, so it is false to assume that the decrease in trauma cases was solely due to the prohibition of alcohol. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on both life and livelihoods in South Africa, which all social partners have a responsibility to mitigate and address.
“The entire industry and its value chain have suffered irreparable damage, and the cost of livelihoods in the liquor value chain has been significant, leading to business closures, loss of jobs and income, and a decrease in investment “.
Third wave
Health experts warned of the threat of a third wave of infections in South Africa since the country entered relaxed level 1 lockdown in February, projecting that an increase in infections should become apparent as the country approaches winter. .
While the typical model points to a May / June start for a third wave, the super spreader events as a result of the Easter celebrations threaten to advance that, with some models showing the wave as early as April.
While small cluster outbreaks are being recorded, national Covid-19 infection data does not yet show an abrupt change.
As of March 27, the country registered 1,387 new infections and 46 new deaths. Of the 1,544,466 infected people, 1,471,164 have recovered and 52,648 have died, leaving the country with 20,654 active cases.
However, government advisers have recommended stricter restrictions during Easter to avoid the early appearance of the third wave, rather than waiting for the trigger to become apparent in the data.
Read: Advisory committee calls for tougher lockdown over Easter weekend in South Africa
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