Covid-19: President Ramaphosa calls on SA citizens to refrain from panic buying

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens to refrain from stockpiling on groceries as government intensifies its efforts to contain the Coronavirus (Covid-19).

The President said this when he met with leaders of all political parties at Tuynhuys, in Cape Town, on Wednesday, to discuss the response to the virus, which he declared a national disaster on Sunday.

He said this as shelves in major retailers ran low on several items, including toilet paper and sanitisers.

Local coronavirus news: No coronavirus in Amanzimtoti

“We call on all citizens to refrain from making excessive purchases. It is important to understand that the supply of goods remains continuous, supply chains remain intact, and there is no need for stockpiling of any items,” he said.

Ramaphosa also called on citizens to improve their personal hygiene in order to contain the virus from spreading as the Department of Health announced that 31 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 116.

“An effective response also requires heightened levels of personal responsibility on the part of citizens. This includes personal infection control measures such as regular hand washing, avoiding public gatherings and maintaining a distance from other people,” he said.

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