This evening [April 23] President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a gradually easing of lockdown regulations, but confirmed that South Africa’s borders will remain closed ensuring no travel is possible in the near future.
Ramaphosa confirmed that international borders will remain closed, expect for the repatriation of South African nationals. Travel between provinces will also not be allowed until further notice, expect for the transport of goods and for funerals.
“Public transport will continue to operate, with limitations on the number of passengers and stringent hygiene requirements, including that all passengers must wear a face mask,” said Ramaphosa.
The President announced that as of May 1, 2020 the lockdown regulations will ease from a total lockdown or alert level 5 to an alert level 4. This means that extreme precautions will be taken to limit community transmission and outbreak while allowing some activity in the country to resume.
Ramaphosa also outlined three other alert levels that will come at later stages in the country’s lockdown schedule.
For now normal activity will not resume but South Africa will eventually make its way back to normal in coming months.
“The public is encouraged to stay at home, other than for essential personal movement, doing essential work and work in sectors that are under controlled opening. People can exercise under strict public health conditions,” added Ramaphosa.
Despite the level some restrictions will still remain in place.
“It is important to note that several restrictions will remain in place regardless of the level of alert for as long as the risk of transmission is present:
Bars and shebeens will remain closed. Conference and convention centres, entertainment venues, cinemas, theatres, and concerts will remain closed,” said Ramaphosa.
Concerts, sporting events, religious gatherings, cultural and social gatherings will not be allowed until it is deemed safe for them to continue.
“If people do not travel, the virus does not travel.” said Ramaphosa.
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