President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation on Sunday evening at 7pm on developments in the risk adjusted strategy to manage the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
This follows recent meetings with different stakeholders as the country prepares for Level 3 next month.
The president is expected to address issues including which provinces will move to lock down level 3, decision on alcohol and cigarette sales.
Watch Live President Cyril Ramaphosa Addressing the Nation
South Africa’s tests (over half a million) and screenings by 60 000 community health workers are much higher than many other countries, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. There are now 20 000 hospital beds prepared for the surge
Ramaphosa says they have been able to strengthen the country’s health response, done a lot more than other countries have been able to do across the continent.
Ramaphosa: we’ve known all along that the long down will only slow the spread of the virus but will not be able to stop it.
Ramaphosa again signalling what’s to come “we must get used to living with this virus” earlier he emphasised our personal responsibilities in navigating the pandemic.
Ramaphosa says the numbers in SA are starting to rise, expect them to rise higher and even faster
Ramaphosa says the models have shown it will get worse before better and the scale of the pandemic will depend on our actions as a society and as individuals
Ramaphosa saying they sought the advice of the ministerial advisory committee – high level experts. Government has been accused of ignoring the MAC. Ramaphosa saying they appreciate the different views from the different experts
Ramaphosa says the consultations have been necessary and worthwhile – he’s met with business, labour, religious and traditional leaders, the tourism sector among many other engagements leading up to this address
Ramaphosa says the alert level for the whole country should be lowered from level 4 to level 3 from June 1st
Ramaphosa: Whole of SA to move to Level 3 on 1 June
Ramaphosa says level 3 will remove a lot of restrictions on the movement of people but says its important to be aware that in some areas the disease is concentrated and continues to rise. Brings in the differentiated method, introducing coronavirus hotspots
Ramaphosa lists some of the metros which are hotspots: Tshwane, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Ethekwini, Cape Town & Nelson Mandela Bay included
Ramaphosa says they are concerned about the Western Cape and attending to it urgently
Ramaphosa says if the spread of infection is not contained and there’s a risk of health facilities being overwhelmed level 4/5 would come into play
Ramaphosa: alcohol will be sold for home consumption, strict conditions, specified days and hours. Tobacco remains prohibited at level 3
those who do not need to go to work or educational institution should stay home
Sale of cigarettes remains prohibited under Level 3
Ramaphosa says staffers from 60 upwards and those with chronic diseases should ideally stay home
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