Covid-19 lockdown to move to Level 4

“We have decided on this approach because there is still much that is unknown about the rate and manner of the spread of the virus within our population. The action we take now must, therefore, be measured and incremental," he said.

This approach is guided by the advice from scientists who have advised that an abrupt and uncontrolled lifting of restrictions could cause a massive resurgence in infections. During this period, the country’s lockdown would be eased over five levels.

“We must avoid a rushed re-opening that could risk a spread, which would need to be followed by another hard lockdown, as has happened in other countries. We have to balance the need to resume economic activity with the imperative to contain the virus and save lives”.

Level 4 unpacked

Under level 4 restrictions:

• public transport will continue to operate, with limitations on the number of passengers and stringent hygiene requirements, including that all passengers must wear a face mask
• Borders remain closed and international travel prohibited, except for repatriated South Africans
• No travelling between provinces, except for exceptional circumstances such as funerals
• People may exercise under strict conditions;
• All gatherings aside from funerals and for work are prohibited
• The elderly and people with underlying conditions must remain at home
• The range of goods which may be sold will be expanded – including the sale of cigarettes
• Bars and shebeens will remain closed
• Conference and convention centres, entertainment venues, cinemas, theatres, and concerts will remain closed
• Concerts, sporting events, and religious, cultural and social gatherings will not be allowed until it is deemed safe for them to continue

Ramaphosa emphasised that during this period, the public is encouraged to stay at home, other than for essential personal movement, doing essential work and work in sectors that are under controlled opening.

NCCC to determine alert level

To ensure that government’s response to the pandemic can be as precise and targeted as possible, Ramaphosa said there will be a national level and separate levels for each province, district and metro in the country.

The National Coronavirus Command Council is expected to determine the alert level based on an assessment of the infection rate and the capacity of South Africa’s health system to provide care to those who need it.

“We have undertaken a detailed exercise to classify the different parts of the economy according to the risk of transmission in that sector, the expected impact of the lockdown, the economic contribution of the sector and the effect on livelihoods,” he said.

Ministers to provide details

Ministers are expected to provide details on the classification of industries and how each is affected at each level. Industry bodies will be given an opportunity to consider these details and, should they wish, to make submissions before new regulations are gazetted.

Evidence at government’s disposal indicates that 75% of confirmed coronavirus cases are found in just six metro municipalities – Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Cape Town, Buffalo City, EThekwini and Mangaung.

Ramaphosa said it was, therefore, essential that everything was done to restrict the movement of people and reduce human interaction.

“Ultimately, it is our own actions, as individuals, that will determine how quickly the virus spreads. If we all adhere to instructions and follow public health guidelines, we will keep the virus under control and will not need to reinstate the most drastic restrictions,” he said.