As all sectors of the economy will soon resume full operations people safety from the deadly Covid-19 is in all our hands. It is now up to us, as citizens, to ensure that we follow all health protocols so that we can enjoy Christmas holidays freely with our families, not under a hard lockdown.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Wednesday night that the government was working towards re-opening all parts of the economy for full operation as quickly and safely as possible. “We are amending the alert level 1 regulations to restore the normal trading hours for the sale of alcohol at retail outlets. We are also opening up international travel to all countries, subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative Covid-19 certificate. By using rapid tests and strict monitoring we intend to limit the spread of the infection through importation,” he said.
However, the president also raised concerns with fast-growing numbers of infections in Eastern Cape and called on the public to adhere to health protocols. “The situation in the Eastern Cape ... is showing signs of a resurgence. In the past week, the number of new cases in the province was 50% higher than in the week before.
"And the total number of new cases in the past 14 days was around 145% higher than in the previous 14 days. These increases are being driven by huge spikes in the Nelson Mandela metro and the Sarah Baartman district in particular,” Ramaphosa said.
It is a known South African tradition for families to leave big cities such as Johannesburg and travel to villages and coastal towns to celebrate the festive season with loved ones. Many others also leave the cities to go on holiday. However, as many prepare to do that this year, let us remember that safety comes first. Covid-19 is still with here, the total number of recorded cases by yesterday stood at 742,000 infections, 686,000 recoveries and 20 011 deaths.
Let's continue to wear masks, wash and sanitise our hands and maintain a social distance.
We also have to limit the number of people in gatherings. Our battered economy cannot afford another lockdown as we have lost many jobs in the past six months when many companies folded.
Let's be responsible.
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