After months of enduring a year, none of us could have predicted. Can South Africans eventually expect to see the finish line which most of us thought would not be seen for a very long time, being the nationwide lockdown moving to Level 1?
Bringing some much need positivity to South Africans, on Wednesday, September 9, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated, the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) was currently evaluating a number of proposals which focuses around the easing of lockdown restrictions.
During a meeting with the South African National Editors’ Forum on Wednesday evening, Ramaphosa said he had received several requests, one of which was from religious leaders. Noting, spiritual heads enquired into the possibility of increasing the number of people who may attend gatherings.
The president went on to say, the NCCC is currently also considering requests from various other sectors which includes the sporting fraternity, the entertainment sector, hotels and tourism.
Ensuring progress, Ramaphosa explained the government is considering the requests, while evaluating where the infection rate currently stands. He stressed the government will be considering all proposals and requests submitted to them.
However, the government will need advice from the Medical Advisory Committee and Natjoints, who monitor the government’s coronavirus approach.
So when can we expect to hear if the country will be moving to level 1?
Bringing hope to the people, the president specified he will be addressing the nation next week on a range of issues and encouraged South Africans to look out for the broadcast.
The president’s comments regarding possibly moving to level 1 come after Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize claimed the country would soon move to level 1 of the lockdown.
Dr Mkhize made this statement during an interview on Radio Islam, where he mentioned that while it was too early to confirm an actual date, the government was in discussions around the matter. Continuing to say, it was imperative to further reopen the economy and see people return to their jobs.
While it isn’t clear what Level 1 holds, South Africans can expect most normal activity to resume, with precautions and health guidelines followed at all times.
Leave your comments in the section below? How do you feel level 1 will differ from level 2?
Authors: Quinton Boucher and Calvin Swemmer
Edited: Calvin Swemmer
