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The South African president said on Wednesday his goal was to further ease the restrictions imposed to curb the new coronavirus, but the places with the highest number of infections would likely remain in “alert level 4” of a five-tier system in June.
Ramaphosa imposed one of the world’s toughest blockades in late March, with restrictions that only slightly eased from May 1 when the country switched to a five-level alert system, with five accounting for most of the restrictions.
He said in a speech to the nation on Wednesday that strict measures were necessary to improve the readiness of the country’s health facilities and prevent further deaths. The country went from level 5 to level 4 on May 1.
“Therefore, we will continue to proceed with caution,” he said. “Our goal is to constantly increase economic activity while establishing measures to reduce virus transmission and provide adequate care to those who become infected and need treatment.”
Africa’s most industrialized economy has recorded 219 coronavirus deaths, with 12,074 confirmed cases, Ramaphosa said.
“We will immediately begin a consultation process with relevant stakeholders on a proposal that by the end of May, most of the country be placed on Alert Level 3, but that the parts of the country with the highest infection rates remain at level 4, “he said.
Ramaphosa said it was important to maintain strict restrictions in metropolitan areas, where infections are greatest. Below level 3, more businesses will be allowed to operate and more assets will be sold.
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