Cabinet expands national state of disaster, but relaxed shutdown looms



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The cabinet has approved the extension of the national state of disaster until October 15.

The extension was approved to “continue to give effect to regulations that remain relevant to handling the spread of Covid-19 infections,” spokeswoman Phumla Williams said in a statement regarding the outcome of a virtual cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

“The cabinet appreciates the drop in the number of new confirmed Covid-19 cases over the past weeks and the improved recovery rate that has risen to 87%. The number of people requiring admission to our hospitals and the demand for Covid-19 tests has also decreased.

“The cabinet thanks all South Africans for playing their part in adhering to the restrictions to flatten the curve. We congratulate the dedication and sacrifice of all the health professionals who have been our front line defense against the virus ”.

The cabinet urged people to “do the right things,” such as practicing social distancing, wearing a mask in public, and washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize He hinted on Wednesday that due to the decline in the number of infections, the country could see a downward shift to level 1 lockdown in the coming days.

Speaking to Radio Islam, Mkhize said that the worst was over. When asked when the county could move to level 1, he said President Cyril Ramaphosa would give an indication in the next few days.

“It is too early to say, we are still discussing all the issues. The president will give us a sense of direction, but we will be preparing to start moving to the next level, ”he said.

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