South Africa’s president ‘Cyril Ramaphosa’ has announced an easing of some lockdown restrictions beginning next month, citing economic concerns.
“We will implement what we call a risk-adjusted strategy through which we take a deliberate and cautious approach to the easing of current lockdown restrictions,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said.
From 1 May, some businesses will be allowed to reopen, and a third of their employees can return to work.
Some schools will also reopen – but with strict limits likely on class sizes.
But President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that most people should remain at home, public gatherings remain banned, and the country’s borders will stay closed.
Most people are still being urged, or told, to stay at home.
President Ramaphosa said a month-long lockdown has been working, and has slowed the pandemic’s progress. But people need to eat, and to earn a living, he said.
It is a precarious balancing act for South Africa, as for so many countries.
The lockdown began March 27, with residents only allowed to leave their homes for groceries, pharmaceuticals and medical appointments.
The spread of infections slowed during the lockdown period, which was later extended until April 30.
South Africa has Africa’s highest number of coronavirus cases, with 3,953 infections and 75 deaths announced on Thursday.
