Level 2 lockdown may be on cards for SA

DURBAN - South Africa might see some lockdown restrictions lifted very soon, this comes after Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said during an interview on the

SABC

on Tuesday.

The National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) was preparing submissions and will make recommendations on the easing of some restriction.

According to the Minister, South Africans have good reason to be optimistic this week, as the country has seen the lowest number of Covid-19 infections since June with only 2 511 new cases recorded during the past day. In addition to this, the total number of new cases reported are declining on a weekly basis with fewer new patients than in previous months noted thus far.

“We are preparing submissions and need to make recommendations to ease certain restrictions. A lot of issues are being discussed and the president is guiding us on what will happen next. We want to have a thorough scientific basis for our next steps, but we are all responsible for our own destiny,” said Mkhize. The minister has, however, cautioned that the country was not out of the woods yet.

Meanwhile, earlier today

TimesLive

reported that the Forum of South African Directors-General (Fosad) has recommended to the NCCC that South Africa be moved to lockdown level 2 as early as this week.

Citing sources who attended the forum meeting where the resolution was made, the publication said that the recommendation would have been presented at the NCCC meeting held on Tuesday. The council would have to adopt the recommendation, and the cabinet would have to approve it before it could be implemented.

Level 2 lockdown – what changes in South Africa?

Private residential projects can resume construction again.

There will be a complete lift on retail services, allowing all shops to open their doors if Covid-19 compliant.

All real estate activity will be permitted, relaxing current restrictions on the industry.

Mining and manufacturing businesses will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity, bringing everyone back to work.

All forms of private household workers – from domestic staff to maintenance personnel – can work again.

Inter-provincial travel will be allowed.

The tourism industry is set for a boost at this stage – more hotels and B&Bs will get the green light.

More people would be allowed to fly, but changes for the airline industry remain unspecified.

It’s understood that some gyms and fitness centres would be allowed to open their doors for the first time during the lockdown.

Restrictions on alcohol may get lifted.

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