A harder lockdown for SA? Here’s what the health minister says

Will President Cyril Ramaphosa announce a higher lockdown level for South Africa any time soon? That’s the big question on everyone’s lips as Ramaphosa meets with the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) on Saturday, 27 November 2021. Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla will be an integral part of those proceedings as his department will advise whether or not tougher lockdown measures should be imposed, in light of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which has the world in a panic.

News of the Ormicron variant being discovered by local scientists prompted Phaahla to give a media update from his department’s perspective, on Friday afternoon. Phaahla says for now, they are still assessing the situation, but would give the necessary advice to the NCCC, which will guide its response to the matter.

“From our side at this stage we are examining the situation. We will make some recommendations in terms of the fact that there is definitely a spike in infections. We will make recommendations on health measures,” Phaahla said.

MINISTER JOE PHAAHLA

Minister Joe Phaahla, however, said it was too early to tell whether Ramaphosa will declare a higher level of lockdown. Instead, Phaahla essentially said the decision would include all other stakeholders, including Cabinet and law enforcement.

“Stricter lockdown? Not necessarily anything concluded. There is still going to be the weekend, between tomorrow and Sunday, meetings between players, structures of government including the Natjoints which is the head of all departments including the security cluster, communication and all departments of the state. They will be looking at that and the coronavirus council made up of the ministers, the deputy president and the president will meet,” 

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla