1 FEBRUARY 2021
EASING OF RESTRICTIONS WELCOME
WE MUST DO WHAT WE CAN TO AVOID THIRD WAVE RESTRICTIONS
This evening’s announcement by President Ramaphosa that the reduction in Covid-19 infections and hospital admissions allows an easing in restrictions is welcome.
The introduction of stringent restrictions in late December 2020 was necessary to curb the surge of the second wave infections and to reduce the strain on healthcare workers, facilities and critical care units.
The restrictions have proven to be effective but they should only remain in place for as long as is necessary.
Depriving people of their right to operate a lawful business is a drastic measure and no person should be deprived of their right to earn an income, operate a business or pursue their social and leisure interests for a moment longer than absolutely necessary.
The reopening of some alcohol trade, the relaxation of curfew hours and the opening of public amenities is an important step but we must do everything we can to avoid the reintroduction of restrictions when we are faced with the inevitable third wave.
It is important that all of us continue to be vigilant and cautious so that we can mitigate the impact of the third wave.
We are also encouraged by the arrival of the first one million doses of the vaccine and by the progress South Africa has made with the procurement of various vaccines.
The vaccine offers us hope.
We urge South Africans to conduct themselves responsibly, to adhere to the health precautions and to contribute towards defeating the spread of the virus.
ENDS…