South Africa to be on lockdown for 21 days-Ramaphosa

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a 21-day lockdown for the country as fears mount over the number of Covid-19 coronavirus infections.

Earlier today the Department of Health confirmed that 402 people had tested positive for Covid-19.

“As a consequence, the National Coronavirus Command Council has decided to enforce a nation-wide lockdown for 21 days with effect from midnight on Thursday 26 March. This is a decisive measure to save millions of South Africans from infection and save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Those countries that have acted swiftly and dramatically have been far more effective in controlling the spread of the disease,” he said.

The president said the nation-wide lockdown will be enacted in terms of the Disaster Management Act and will entail the following: From midnight on Thursday 26 March until midnight on Thursday 16 April, all South Africans will have to stay at home.

“The categories of people who will be exempted from this lockdown are health workers in the public and private sectors, emergency personnel, those in security services, such as the police, traffic officers, military medical personnel, soldiers – and other persons necessary for our response to the pandemic. It will also include those involved in the production, distribution and supply of food and basic goods, essential banking services, the maintenance of power, water, and telecommunications services, laboratory services, and the provision of medical and hygiene products. A full list of essential personnel will be published,” he said.

Here is a thread on #CoronavirusInSA preventative measures you can implement in the workplace to #FightCOVID19. pic.twitter.com/D4Q4RmXhhm

— Department of Health: COVID-19 (@COVID_19_ZA) March 23, 2020

“Companies that are essential to the production and transportation of food, basic goods and medical supplies will remain open. We will publish a full list of the categories of businesses that should remain open. Companies whose operations require continuous processes such as furnaces, underground mine operations will be required to make arrangements for care and maintenance to avoid damage to their continuous operations,” he said.

He added observing the national lockdown is essential for the health and safety of all South Africans, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Those found guilty of violating the lockdown rules will face harsh penalties.

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