A sense of tension surged through the country on Sunday evening, July 12. South Africans waiting anxiously for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s statement on the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic
“For more than 120 days, we have succeeded in delaying the spread of a virus that is causing devastation across the globe. We delayed the spread of the virus by working together and by maintaining our resolve,” Ramaphosa began.
However, the surge in infections which medical experts warned would come, has finally arrived.
“The storm is upon us. More than a quarter of a million South Africans have been infected with coronavirus, and we know that many more infections have gone undetected. As of this evening, there are 276,242 confirmed cases in the country. We are now recording over 12,000 new cases every day. That is the equivalent of 500 new infections every hour.”
As the number of cases increases dramatically, Ramaphosa explains there are those who are not playing their part.
“There are some among us, who ignore the regulations that have been passed to combat the disease. They also act without any responsibility to respect and protect each other. In the midst of our national effort to fight against this virus; there are a number of people who have taken to organising parties, who have drinking sprees, and some who walk around in crowded spaces without masks.”
Then there are those who apparently see no issue in attending funerals, where the number of people attending exceeds the number of 50, that has been set out in regulations.
“In some cases, some people go to funerals where more than 1,000 people are in attendance. This is how the virus is spread – through carelessness and through recklessness. It is concerning that many are downplaying the seriousness of the virus, despite all evidence to the contrary and what we have cautioned on numerous occasions.”
Ramaphosa said in the light of the increased rate of infection, the National Coronavirus Command Council and Cabinet have considered returning all or parts of the country to a higher alert level. Either to level 4 or level 5.
“The advice we have received is that taking this step now would not necessarily achieve a significant reduction in the rate of transmission and would come at an extraordinary economic cost, putting more livelihoods at risk and potentially causing long-lasting social harm. As we now approach the peak of infections, we need to take extra precautions and tighten existing measures to slow down the rate of transmission.”
On the recommendation of the National Coronavirus Command Council, Cabinet has decided the country will remain at alert level 3. However, officials will strengthen the enforcement of existing regulations and take certain additional measures.
What can we expect?
While masks are mandatory are already mandatory, Ramaphosa explained there are residents who are not wearing masks in public.
“It is therefore important that we should enforce the wearing of masks. Regulations on the wearing of masks will be strengthened.”
Employers, shop owners and managers, public transport operators, and managers and owners of any other public building are now legally obliged to ensure anyone entering their premises or vehicle must be wearing a mask.
All workplaces and all institutions need to ensure that there is a designated coronavirus official. This official is responsible for making sure that all regulations and all precautions are strictly adhered to.
Taxis undertaking local trips will now be permitted to increase their capacity to 100%. However, long-distance taxis will not be allowed to exceed 70% occupancy..
The regulations do not end here.
“As we head towards the peak of infections, it is vital that we do not burden our clinics and hospitals with alcohol-related injuries that could have been avoided. This is a fight to save every life, and we need to save every bed. We have therefore decided that in order to conserve hospital capacity, the sale, dispensing and distribution of alcohol will be suspended with immediate effect.”
According to Ramaphosa, there is evidence that the resumption of alcohol sales has resulted in pressure being put on hospitals. This includes trauma and ICU units, due to motor vehicle accidents, violence and related trauma.
A curfew will also be implemented between the hours of 9pm and 4am. The curfew will take effect as of today, July 13.
While strengthing certain regulations, Ramaphosa said it was decided to ease restrictions on activities that pose a lower risk of infection and are important for economic or educational purposes.
As part of resuming economic activity, all auctions will be permitted. They will be subject to protocols similar to those that currently apply to agricultural auctions.
Parks will be open for exercise, but not for any form of gathering.
Also, family visits and other social activities will not be allowed for now. Furthermore, Cabinet has approved the extension of the national state of disaster to August 15.
With certain regulations being tightened and the national state of disaster being extended until August 15, what are your thoughts? Do you feel the strengthening of the regulations will help in the fight against COVID-19? Share your thoughts and views with us in the comment section below.
