Image via Twitter: @PresidencyZA
Image via Twitter: @PresidencyZA
The Bureau for Economic Research has shared its latest forecast for South Africa – and the team has got one eye on some potential lockdown restrictions coming our way.
What new lockdown restrictions can SA expect?
Researchers for BER predict that several changes will be ushered in by the end of the week, and they expect President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the nation by Sunday 12 December – to announce the following steps:
- It’s thought a reduced limit on gatherings will be written into our State of Disaster laws.
- The introduction of vaccine mandates – and the work of the delegated task team so far – will be shared by Ramaphosa.
- The president is also likely review of the country’s COVID-19 situation ‘before Christmas’.
‘No need for tight regulations… yet’ – BER analysts
For those amongst us who are tiring of this long-standing State of Disaster, there are some silver linings amongst the grey clouds. The experts do not believe there is any ‘compelling case’ for harsh lockdown restrictions to return, at least not before Christmas. That, however, may change if Omicron overwhelms our health system.
The new variant is a troublesome little bugger, but so far, the explosion of new cases hasn’t put much pressure on our hospitals – and the BER now reckon that the focus on vaccinations will intensify.
“For now, except perhaps reducing the limit on gatherings, there does not seem to be a compelling case for tighter lockdown restrictions. However, as always, the situation is fluid. With President Cyril Ramaphosa on a state visit to West Africa last week, the NCCC will only meet later this week to discuss the latest virus developments.”
“The President is likely to address the nation on Sunday. Besides pronouncing on lockdown restrictions, Ramaphosa may provide further details on a possible vaccine mandate for accessing certain public places and services.”
BER weekly
