President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a gradual reduction of control measures to prevent the spread and reduce the impact of the COVID-19 virus. South Africa’s five-week coronavirus lockdown will be slowly eased from next month, Ramaphosa said as he sought a balance between protecting people and letting them “earn a living.
“We will implement what we call a risk-adjusted strategy through which we take a deliberate and cautious approach to the easing of current lockdown restrictions.”
Before he addressed the nation, Ramaphosa met virtually with political party leaders for further consultations.
The main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party hailed Ramaphosa’s announcement as a “smart lockdown model”. What is crucial is that any such a phased lifting of lockdown restrictions is accompanied by both a massive increase in testing… and reliable data,” added the DA in a statement. We’ll most certainly support him in instituting economic reforms that will ensure South Africa emerges from this crisis with the best fighting chance.
Just concluded a meeting of the #NationalCommandCouncil where we were focused on a risk adjusted strategy to resume economic activity. I am now meeting with leaders of political parties represented in Parliament for further consultations ahead of tonight’s address. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/lCVUvGJHL4
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 #StayHome (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 23, 2020
The Economic Freedom Fighters said they would issue more detailed responses as information is communicated. A statement released on their Twitter page read, “we are limited from making substantial remarks on the announcement because the substantial issues which the President announced will begin on the 1st of May 2020 will only be announced by Ministers in the coming weeks.
The party did strongly caution against an opening of the economy not based on sound epidemiological science. The EFF stated the government must provide a clear and well-funded plan on how the country should complete the 2020 academic year without exposing pupils and students to potential COVID-19 infection.
🎙️ | We welcome the announcement by #CyrilRamaphosa to control the spread of Covid-19 going forward by adopting what we have called a “Smart Lockdown” model.
It is encouraging that we are able to cooperate & be on the same page as we face this daunting challenge. – @jsteenhuisen pic.twitter.com/vMBY85x2jT
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) April 23, 2020
In other news – 3 times Somizi Mhlongo nailed the face mask fashion
It appears that even after the pandemic ends, face mask might turn out to be a major fashion highlight as Somizi Mhlongo proves to us that it’s possible. Since the outbreak of coronavirus, the use of a face mask has been highly encouraged to be used. Being a radio personality, Somizi still goes to work and he uses the face mask. Read more
Source: eNCA
