Monday, November 29, 2021

SA to stay on alert level 1 amid discovery of new variant

 President Cyril Ramaphosa address to the nation on Sunday night on developments on the Covid-19 pandemic. During his speech, he announced that South Africa will remain on lockdown alert level 1 even with the detection of the new variant, Omicron.

source: EWN


This comes amid a rapid rise in infections, the discovery of the new Omicron variant and an endless list of travel bans imposed against some Southern African countries, including South Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said that over the coming days, infection rates would be monitored and reviewed to ensure that the current safety measures are adequate or if change need to be made.

The increase in infections has for now been centered in Gauteng, although cases are also rising in other provinces. The president also urged those who were not vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so, saying that it was the best way to fight the virus.

The president has condemned travel bans imposed on South Africa and called on countries with bans currently in place to urgently reverse their decisions before it damages our economy even further.

As part of lockdown alert level one regulations:

  •         the sale of alcohol for onsite and offsite consumption remains permitted.
  •         Public gatherings are restricted to 750 people indoors and 2,000 outdoors.
  •         The wearing of masks in public places is still mandatory and failure to do so is a criminal offence.
  •         And the curfew remains in place from 12pm to 4 am.

By Danielle Mentoor

No comments:

Increase in SA's mid-festive road fatalities

There has been an increase in mid-festive road fatalities , compared to 2023. Five hundred and twelve  people died on South Africa's roa...