Lockdown: Free at last ... sort of

It was the announcement millions of South Africans had been waiting for: the 35-day national lockdown will be eased from May 1, although heavy restrictions will remain in place.

Born out of economic need not choice, the lifting of the lockdown in tightly-controlled phases was a risk government had to take, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday night.

Despite SA  fast approaching the 4,000 mark for Covid-19 infections and 10 more deaths reported earlier on Thursday, Ramaphosa said the country could no longer deny its precarious financial position which was leading to hunger and widespread job losses.

“A nationwide lockdown cannot be sustained. People need to eat and earn a living. Companies need to generate revenue,” he said.

The strategy to ease the lockdown will involve a “risk-adjusted” approach. A series of levels — Level 1 being low virus spread with high health system readiness, and Level 5 being high virus spread and low system readiness — is the foundation on which the strategy is built.

The levels are as follows:

• Level 5 — drastic measures are required to save lives; 
• Level 4 — some activity can be allowed subject to extreme precautions;
• Level 3 — easing of some restrictions — work and social activities to address high risk transmission
• Level 2 —  further easing of restrictions, including social and leisure activities; and
• Level 1 — most normal activity can resume.

Bearing in mind the rising number of cases in the country, Ramaphosa said the lockdown would be lowered to Level 4 from May 1.

One of the more noticeable aspects of this phase is that cigarettes can once again be sold. However, the president did not address whether liquor could be sold.

Another key takeout was that people can exercise, but under strict conditions.

“To ensure our response can be precise, there will be the national level and separate levels for each province, metro and district,” Ramaphosa said.

“Some economic activity will be allowed, but subject to extreme precautions. Some businesses will be allowed to resume operations. Every businesses will have to adhere to safety protocols.”

The resumption of operations will be done so in a phased manner.  

“First, the workplace must be prepared and be sanitised. Next is the return of the workforce, but  in batches of no more than one third of the workforce. In some  cases businesses wont be able to return to full production.”

In terms of the education sector, Ramaphosa said government ministers would provide details on schools and other institutions in the coming days.

SA's borders will remain closed, except for the return of South African nationals and the repatriation of  foreigners, while travel between the provinces is prohibited unless essential or for funerals.

Public transport will continue to operate but with passenger limits and stringent requirements. All passengers are to wear face masks.

Rapahosa said ministers would also address the sale of goods in the coming days. It was not clear whether these would include alcohol or fast food.  

“Bars and shebeens will remain closed, as will conference and entertainment venues including cinemas and concert venues. Sporting events will not be allowed until deemed safe,” Ramaphosa said.  

The president was deeply concerned about funerals, and mentioned the Port St Johns funeral contributed to the spate of infections in the Eastern Cape.

He said most cases were in the country's metros, which was why it was “essential” restrictions on movement remained in place and people as far as possible remained home.  Ramaphosa called on people to wear masks in public, saying the country's clothing industry was geared up to produce these. 

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa held what was described as a “very productive call” with US President Donald Trump on Thursday despite SA’s criticism of Trump’s stance on the World Health Organisation.

The presidency said the two leaders discussed the impact of Covid-19 on their two countries in a call which began at 3.30pm.

“President Ramaphosa has passed his condolences to the government and people of the US on the devastation the virus has wrought in that country,” Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Khusela Diko said.

Trump pledged to send “thousands” of ventilators and other equipment to SA. The details of which are yet to be finalised

“President Trump has pledged his support to SA and Africa in general in the fight against the coronavirus,” Diko said.

The ‘elephant in the room’ — Trump’s decision to withhold support from the WHO — was not discussed in the meeting.

On Saturday, health minister Zweli Mkhize slammed Trump's cutting of funding to the WHO.

He said it was an effort to “turn us against each other”.

In his daily briefing on Wednesday, Trump told American reporters that he has been speaking to “lots of leaders” and pledging US support.

Trump however has been criticised for failing to take accountability for the spread of Covid-19 in the US where New York has become the epicentre of the outbreak.

The WHO this week commended SA’s efforts in dealing with the coronavirus. — Additional reporting by TimesLIVE

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