As the Easter weekend approaches, it seems any plans of going away will have to be put on hold. This after the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) put forward recommendations to the National Coronavirus Command Council stating the country be placed on a higher level of lockdown during the upcoming long weekend.
With health experts and scientists warning the country of a potential third wave, it is now official; steps are being discussed to upgrade SA to Alert Level 2 in anticipation of the impending new wave.
Professor Barry Schoub, the Ministerial Advisory Committee’s chairperson on Covid-19, recently explained the tighter restrictions will be temporary and should be quickly lifted following the Easter weekend, set to take place from 2 April 2021 to 5 April 2021. One of the reasons behind the recommendation is due to the festivities and activities taking place over the Easter holidays, which could result in a super spreading issue, posing a substantial risk to the country.
Speaking to the SABC, the National Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, explained discussions are underway to implement stricter lockdown regulations. He elaborated further, stating there have been recommendations given about imposing a more stringent lockdown, but emphasises others are calling for specific regulations to be relaxed, which is why there is still a certain degree of deliberation around the matter.
He adds the consultation process will take into account MAC’s advice and the concerns voiced by the various sectors of the economy, including social, churches, and business sectors.
Mkhize further claims that the decision will also be guided by scientific research. While explaining this is not an easy decision; he stressed something needs to be considered ahead of the long weekend, interprovincial travel and migration. While the government is looking at the possibility of putting more stringent steps into place for the Easter holidays, moving South Africa to a level 2 lockdown status, what are your thoughts?
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I agree stay at home guys look what happened at Christmas time rather a long weekend than months again there are so many of us trying to get to our children overseas it’s no easy God bless and have a blessed Easter at home