South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa says SA’s ministerial advisory committee recommended that the country should go back to level 2, Covid -19 lockdown so as to limit the increase infections in the country.
In a statement, Ramaphosa said the Covid-19 cases has doubled in the last month hence becoming a cause of concern.
”Over the last seven days, we have seen an average of 3,745 daily new infections. This is an increase of 31% on the previous week, and an increase of 66% on the week before that. The proportion of Covid-19 tests that are positive has more than doubled in the last month from around 4% to more than 11%, even as we have increased testing across the country. We are advised that a positivity rate of over 5% is a cause for concern.
”Further restrictions are necessary to ensure that health facilities are not overwhelmed and that lives that could be saved are not lost. Delaying the spread of the virus is especially important now to allow as many people as possible to be vaccinated before the third wave reaches its peak.” The statement reads.
The SA President said the level 2 lockdown will be effective from today.
”These recommendations have been discussed at the national coronavirus command council and, earlier [on Sunday], with premiers, mayors and traditional leaders in the president’s coordinating council. Based on these discussions, cabinet has therefore decided that the country will be placed on adjusted alert level 2 with effect from tomorrow [Monday].” He said.
All gatherings have been reduced to a maximum of 25o people.
”All gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 100 people indoors and 250 people outdoors. Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue may be used. This includes religious services, political events and social gatherings, as well as restaurants, bars, taverns and similar places.” The statement reads.