Ramaphosa to address South Africa on lockdown restrictions

Ramaphosa to address South Africa on lockdown restrictions

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on the relaxation of lockdown regulations in the coming days.

According to a government advisory published on Tuesday (7 September), the address will also focus on the way forward to achieve population immunity through vaccination.

The update comes after the president chaired meetings of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the President Coordinating Council earlier in the day.

“The meetings reflected on the rate of Covid-19 infections and vaccinations, and assessed the Covid-19 prevention measures in force under the Adjusted Level 3 of the national state of disaster.”

“The NCCC agreed that government will in the coming days hold consultations with political parties and the religious sector on the observance of safety measures.”

No date or time has yet been given for the president’s address.

Health minister Joe Phaahla said that the Department of Health and Covid-19 Ministerial Advisory Committee analyse infection trends every week.

Addressing media on Friday (3 September), Phaahla said that if there is a sustained decline in infections, then the president will be advised by the department to ease restrictions.

“If it becomes clear that there is stability and the infection rates are definitely stabilising, we will give the necessary advice. You can look forward to some more relaxations – but there will still be a responsibility on us to follow the protocols,” he said.

On Monday, South Africa recorded 4,118 new cases of Covid-19, taking the total reported to 2,824,063. The number of new cases is the lowest reported since early June. South Africa was put into lockdown level 4 on 27 June.

Deaths have reached 83,617 (+198), while recoveries have climbed to 2,599,667, leaving the country with a balance of 140,779 active cases. The total number of vaccines administered is 13,673,651 (+218,828).

Read: Here’s who is still opposed to getting a Covid-19 jab in South Africa

Ramaphosa to address the nation soon after coronavirus command council meeting

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation soon following a national coronavirus command council (NCCC) meeting, the government said on Tuesday.

“The president will address the nation on the way forward to achieve population immunity through vaccination, to continue the protection of lives and livelihoods and the conditions that would apply to a relaxation of regulations and directions linked to the national state of disaster,” said government spokesperson Phumla Williams.

Lockdown Level 2 imminent, with new curfew, booze and gathering rules expected

President Cyril Ramaphosa met with the National Coronavirus Command Council and the President’s Coordinating Council on Tuesday.

It is understood that a move to Level 2 is imminent.

The possible amendments include an adjusted curfew and an increase in the number of people permitted to attend gatherings.

Alert Level 2 is understood to be imminent, with President Cyril Ramaphosa expected to announce an easing of restrictions, News24 understands.

Ramaphosa met with the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the President’s Coordinating Council (PCC) on Tuesday to discuss the possible amendments, which include an adjusted curfew from 23:00 to 04:00.

Among the recommendations, News24 has reliably been informed, are that the number of people at gatherings be increased from 50 to 100 indoors and 250 outdoors, including sporting events. Offsite alcohol sales would also be allowed from Monday to Friday until 18:00 and on-site until 22:00.

It is further understood that the government will consider using incentives to encourage vaccinations, while also exploring the use of vaccination records to allow those who have received their jabs to be able to access activities and amenities.

A new heart-wrenching documentary taking viewers inside a Covid-19 hospital in Pretoria during the peak of the pandemic in South Africa is set to premiere next month. | @Sesona_Ngqaks https://t.co/WQpx8Owyfu — News24 (@News24) September 6, 2021

https://t.co/By0KBr5HQV | Covid-19: Western Cape plans to expand Jabs before Jol campaign https://t.co/wjawbe5hVu — News24 (@News24) September 6, 2021

To date, 13 673 651 vaccines have been administered.

After the meeting, government spokesperson Phumla Williams said consultations would be held with political parties and the religious sector over the coming days.

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“Following these discussions, the president will address the nation on the way forward to achieve population immunity through vaccination, to continue the protection of lives and livelihoods, and the conditions that would apply to a relaxation of regulations and directions linked to the national state of disaster,” she said.

On Friday, the Constitutional Court ruled that local government elections have to take place between 27 October and 1 November.

Ramaphosa moved the country to Level 3 in July, following his meeting with the NCCC and the PCC.

Liquor sales were allowed to resume and the R350 social relief grant was also reinstated to run until March 2022.

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According to the latest statistics released by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases on Monday, 4 118 new Covid-19 cases had been confirmed, bringing the total infections since the outbreak to 2 824 063.

An additional 198 people have died, increasing the death toll to 83 617.

The majority of new cases were from KwaZulu-Natal at 28%, the Eastern Cape at 24%, and the Free State at 12%.

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