Level 4: Will the lockdown be extended? Here’s what an expert had to say

Almost two weeks ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country would have to endure Level 4 lockdown for a period of 14 days due to COVID-19 infections spiralling out of control and the healthcare system taking strain. So now, as the deadline approaches, we obviously want to know if another extension is on the cards.

Ramaphosa said Cabinet would decide whether two weeks would suffice to bring infections down or if instituting a longer period would be necessary. 

On 27 June, Ramaphosa said the seven-day average of new daily cases nationally surpassed the peak of the first wave in July last year. He added that it would soon overtake the peak of the second wave we experienced in January this year. He also stated that Gauteng accounted for more than 60% of the new cases in the country.

The first wave lasted 15 weeks and the second wave lasted nine weeks. He said they were not sure how long the third would last but said it could very well last longer. 

EXPERT WEIGHS IN ON EXTENSION OF LEVEL 4 LOCKDOWN 

Chair of Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies at Wits University Professor Alex van den Heever told The South African on Friday, that the Level 4 restrictions would most likely be extended as the levels of transmission remain high. 

“The Level 4 restrictions will be extended as the levels of transmission remain high, even though Gauteng may have peaked. Other provinces are also still on the rise,” he said. 

Nearly two weeks ago, Ramaphosa said that after deliberations with the Ministerial Advisory Committee and further consultation with provinces and metros and traditional leaders, and on the recommendation of the National Coronavirus Command Council, Cabinet decided that the country should move to Adjusted Alert Level 4.

Regarding a possible extension, Ramaphosa said; “We will assess the impact of these interventions after 14 days to determine whether they need to be maintained or adjusted.”

If Ramaphosa extends it for a further two weeks, that means we could be under Level 4 lockdown up until 25 July. 

LATEST COVID-19 STATISTICS 

As of Thursday 8 July, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in SA is 2 135 246 with 22 910 new cases reported. 

A total of 460 deaths were reported, bringing the total to 63 499 deaths. The cumulative number of recoveries now stands at 1 862 900 which translates to a recovery rate of 87.2%. 

The cumulative number of vaccine doses administered to South Africans stood at 4 017 442 on Thursday. On Friday morning, Acting Minister of Health, Mmamoloko Kubayi delivered a bit of good news. She said those aged 35 – 49 would be able to register for their vaccine from Thursday 15 July. The jabs will then be dished out from 1 August 2021.