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South Africa could move to level 1 lockdown next week, when President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation as promised during a recent meeting with the South African National Publishers Forum (Sanef).
Citing senior officials, who are aware of the meetings at the National Coronavirus Command Council, City Press reported that the switch to the lowest level of lockdown could occur within the ‘next week or two’, with an announcement imminent.
According to officials, lockdown level 1 will see further easing of restrictions, although some measures will still remain in place. The expected changes include:
- Adjusting the limits of gatherings, such as religious services, increasing instead to a percentage of capacity (that is, 50% of the capacity of a venue instead of 50 people);
- Open international borders, but only regionally to the rest of Africa;
- International travel to Europe and other destinations with a resurgence of Covid-19 infections are still considered high risk and re-importation of the virus is a concern;
- The protocols of social distancing, use of masks and hygiene will be maintained.
The government has received proposals and submissions from various sectors that remain under pressure due to the lockdown conditions, including the events industry, hotels and tourism, sports and religious groups.
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said this week that South Africa will have to move to a level 1 lockdown and return to “normal activities” as part of its economic recovery.
In an interview with Radio Islam on Wednesday (September 9), Dr. Mkhize said that his department was initially concerned about a possible increase in cases by moving to a level 2 lockdown, but early data shows that there has not been a significant increase in cases.
“We hope we can still contain the numbers. The last two weeks have been very encouraging without a rally, which we expect (to continue to be the case) if we move to the next lower level. “
Mkhize said the country will still need to follow important measures around the meetings. However, he said it was necessary to reopen the economy further and get people back to work.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, meanwhile, told Sanef that he will address the nation next week, presenting the results of discussions with the various industries.
“We are considering all of that while we make an assessment of where the infection rate is. We can consider all these proposals and receive advice.
“This is where we will need the advice of the Medical Advisory Committee, as well as our Natjoints, which is the real monitoring engine for our approach to coronavirus. So we will be considering all of that. “
“Look at this space next week (in terms of) where we will end up as a nation in this regard,” he said.
Under current level 2 lockout rules, there are still various prohibitions and restrictions, which could be changed at lock level 1.
These prohibitions include:
- Night clubs;
- International passenger air travel for leisure purposes;
- Passenger ships for international recreational purposes;
- Spectator attendance at any sporting event;
- International sporting events;
- Exclusions related to public transport services: refers to the fact that long distance public transport (buses and taxis) can only operate at 70% of its capacity;
- Exclusions related to educational services: currently refers to grades that have not yet been returned and certain university classes;
- Meeting limits (social, 10 people; others, 50 people);
- Curfew from 10:00 pm to 04:00 am.
Read: South Africa Extends State of Disaster Ahead of Expected Move to Level 1 Lockdown
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