SA Lockdown Necessary to Bring COVID-19 Infection Rate Down – Ramaphosa

Cyril Ramaphosa

As we begin the first full week of the nation-wide lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic that is devastating the world, we are grateful for good news that brings us joy and hope at this difficult and uncertain time.
 
Yesterday, I was in Polokwane to meet the 114 South Africans who were evacuated from Wuhan in China two weeks ago.

They have ended their quarantine and are finally going home to be with their families. They have all tested negative for the virus and are in good health and good spirits.
 
For months, they have been in lockdown, first in Wuhan for some 51 days and then in Polokwane for 14 days.

They have been unable to be with their loved ones, unable to leave their living quarters and uncertain about when their ordeal would end.

When we add the remaining 17 days that South Africa