Read the full statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa
The coronavirus is passed from person to person in small droplets from the nose and mouth that can be transmitted by direct contact, on surfaces we touch or when an infected person coughs or sneezes when they are close to another person.But there are people who develop severe symptoms and require hospitalisation.
As a result, if the virus spreads too quickly, there are not enough hospital beds, intensive care units, ventilators, personal protection equipment or medicine for everyone who needs them. We have sought to avoid a massive surge in infections and an uncontrollable increase in the number of people needing medical care.
The World Health Organization has commended South Africa for acting swiftly and for following scientific advice to delay the spread of the virus. We will implement a risk adjusted strategy through which we take a deliberate and cautious approach to the easing of current lockdown restrictions. Level 2 involves the further easing of restrictions, but the maintenance of physical distancing and restrictions on some leisure and social activities to prevent a resurgence of the virus.
This is the highest level of lockdown and was imposed when drastic action was necessary to curb transmission. The National Coronavirus Command Council met earlier today and determined that the national coronavirus alert level will be lowered from level 5 to level 4 with effect from Friday the 1st of May.
As we gradually ease the restrictions, it is necessary that many of the measures to contain the spread of the virus remain in place.Our borders will remain closed to international travel, except for the repatriation of South African nationals and foreign citizens. Concerts, sporting events, and religious, cultural and social gatherings will not be allowed until it is deemed safe for them to continue.If people do not travel, the virus does not travel.
Ultimately, it is our own actions, as individuals, that will determine how quickly the virus spreads. As we begin the easing of lockdown restrictions from the beginning of May, we are calling on all South Africans to wear a face mask whenever you leave home. We are committed to ensuring that they have all the resources they need – including adequate personal protection equipment and other recognition – to undertake the work that is being asked of them.
It is thanks to your efforts that we have been able to make such valuable progress in combating this pandemic.
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