Lockdown Level 2: Too Little Too Late Mr President, Says Opposition Parties

CHARLES MOLELE

UNDER immense pressure to reopen the economy to avoid further economic damage, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Saturday night that his government would ease the hard lockdown to alert Level 2 as from midnight on Monday.

This follows consultations with provincial and local government, including sound advice from health experts and scientists, he said.

In a televised address, Ramaphosa said government would now lift the ban on alcohol and tobacco products and further allow restaurants and taverns across South Africa to return to normal business, subject to strict hygiene regulations.

While movement around provinces would be allowed under Level 2, restrictions on international travel remained in place, he said.

Ramaphosa said it has been an immensely difficult five months, and the pandemic has taken a heavy toll – on the health of South Africans, on families and communities, on the public health system, on the economy and on