As Easter weekend approaches, Ramaphosa says: ‘The threat of a third wave is real and always present’

President Cyril Ramaphosa

• Cyril Ramaphosa says that it is more important than ever to be careful when meeting for religious reasons.
• The president made commitments to religious organizations, which had asked for some restrictions to be relaxed.
• Ramaphosa says an announcement on the matter will be made soon.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says it is now more important than ever to take precautions as citizens prepare for religious observances during the Easter period and the weeks ahead.

In his newsletter Monday, Ramaphosa said he had a constructive virtual meeting with the leaders of the religious community, adding that they understood and appreciated the danger of a possible third wave of Covid-19 spread.

“Now we are at a time when caution is needed above all. The coronavirus pandemic has not been eliminated, neither in our own country nor throughout the world. The threat of a third wave is real and omnipresent,” he said.

“International experience has taught us that we must not tempt fate. Many countries have eased restrictions, only for resurgence, requiring the imposition of even more severe restrictions.”

Ramaphosa said that while faith-based organizations had taken proactive and positive steps to limit the spread in the past year, many had called for some of the existing blocking restrictions on the number of people in gatherings to be eased as the numbers draw closer. Easter and Ramadan celebrations.

“Another important factor is that, during the different alert levels, religious organizations have incurred substantial economic losses that threaten their sustainability.

“As a government, we remain committed to working with the faith community to find viable solutions. At the same time, public health and safety must be our primary consideration,” Ramaphosa said.

The president said the government is currently deliberating on requests made by religious bodies and other issues, and that an announcement is expected in the coming days.

Ramaphosa said the religious community had shown innovation and initiative in the way it conducted worship services amid uncertainty about the trajectory of the pandemic.

He said online services and parishioners encouraged to pray in their homes helped the national effort to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Ramaphosa added that, likewise, citizens also demonstrated their commitment by adhering to public health and social distancing protocols.

He added that, in the face of this reality, faith communities were encouraged to innovate by holding congregational worship next Easter, Easter and Ramadan, just as they did last year.

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Ramaphosa stressed that large gatherings, whether religious or otherwise, have the potential to spread the virus, despite measures around social distancing and disinfection.

“Over the coming weekend, millions of South Africans will observe an important principle of their faith. In a country that enshrines the right to religious freedom, every effort must be made to support our people in exercising this right. And, in order to exercise this right, we must ensure that we do not put the rights or lives of other people at risk.

“This is a principle that the religious leaders I met with fully support and appreciate. Like Martin Luther, they understand the responsibility of all people of faith – indeed, all South Africans – to observe the practical measures implemented. to protect people’s health and save lives, “Ramaphosa said.

News24 reported that the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) recommended to the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) to put the country under a Level 2 lockdown as a precaution for the Easter holidays.

According to MAC’s notice, sources said the NCCC was recommended to restrict meetings to 50, impose a curfew at 10 p.m., and restrict the sale of alcohol from Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. .

News24 also reported that Ramaphosa was due to meet with prime ministers on Tuesday.

The decision on the restrictions over the long weekend was expected to be finalized on Tuesday or Wednesday.