On Thursday night, 23rd of April, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation as regards the Coronavirus lockdown.
Starting from May 1st, the lockdown will be relaxed to level 4, as it was on maximum, level 5.
“While a nationwide lockdown is probably the most effective way to contain the spread of the virus, it cannot be sustained indefinitely,” Ramaphosa said. “Our people need to eat and they need to earn a living.”
“We cannot take action today that we will deeply regret tomorrow,” he said. “We must avoid a rushed re-opening that could risk a spread, which would need to be followed by another hard lockdown, as has happened in other countries.”
Restrictions on the sale of cigarettes and some other goods, excluding alcohol, will be lifted and people will be allowed to exercise outdoors under strict conditions. Buses and trains can resume operation. Large gatherings except funerals and travel between provinces will not be allowed. The nation’s borders still remain banned
Update on Government’s response to #COVID19 https://t.co/L3eJewkKCJ
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 23, 2020
