Photo: GCIS
Photo: GCIS
It seems there has been a seismic shift in the government’s attitude towards the relaxation of our lockdown laws, and a more liberal approach could see South Africa move to Level 2 ‘by the end of the week’.
Will South Africa move to Level 2 lockdown this week?
These revelations have come to light after extensive meetings took place between business leaders and senior members of Cabinet on Tuesday. Sources have told TimesLive that a forum made up of directors-general of national departments (Fosad) has had their submissions ‘discussed at length’ this week.
They are desperate to push South Africa forward to Level 2, in a bid to salvage what is left of the economy. Moving to this phase would essentially see every business outside of the hospitality industry open up once more, providing that they stick to the health and safety protocols drafted in response to COVID-19.
A move to Level 2 ‘under discussion’
Both NatJoints and the National Coronavirus Command Council have had ‘robust talks’ about taking the next step, which would see South Africa move forward on the official lockdown scale for the first time since early June. We’ve also been told that the Western Cape is particularly keen on a nationwide shift to Level 2.
At this stage, however, we have to clarify that these are merely ‘ongoing discussions’. But it seems this will be the first time that advancing to Level 2 has been considered with such sincerity. We are expecting major changes to be announced within a matter of days, as COVID-19 case numbers and new infections have dropped significantly.
What lockdown changes will happen next?
President Ramaphosa and his inner-circle have always maintained that any decisions they make will require scientific backing. The SA Medical Research Council supports an easing of restrictions, and would even get behind lifting the alcohol ban… if strict controls are put in place on liquor sales.
Things will change, but to what extent still is up for debate. Level 2 isn’t so much ‘on the horizon’ as it is ‘around the corner’, and the gruesome economic reality of lockdown may have finally dawned on the powers that be. Either way, it won’t be long before Ramaphosa greets us with his signature ‘fellow South Africans’ line.
