South Africa Considers Relaxing Lockdown Restrictions
South Africa is considering relaxing Its lockdown restrictions to allow increased economic activity, according to a draft government document.
The initial 21-day lockdown has already been extended by two weeks and is now due to expire on April 30, with President Cyril Ramaphosa expected to address to the nation on Thursday.
According to the draft, an “alert system” comprising five levels would identify which sectors are allowed to operate under different risk scenarios and enable the government to alter restrictions swiftly for different parts of the country.
Ramaphosa’s spokeswoman, Khusela Diko, confirmed the document was authentic but said it did not represent the government’s final plan. She said:
There have been various iterations and various consultations since this version. The president will announce the risk-adjusted strategy to easing the lockdown when he speaks tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the draft revealed that sit-in restaurants, hotels, bars, conference centres, cinemas, sporting events and religious gatherings will remain shut after the lockdown ends, regardless of the risk level.
