KAYLA THOMAS
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered an address to the nation on 23 March at 19:50 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Ramaphosa announced that in light of COVID-19, South Africa has been placed under a 21 day national lock down from midnight, 26 March to midnight, 16 April.
All South Africans are required to stay at home with the exception of health workers, emergency personnel, security services, and those part of the production and supply of food and basic goods, amongst other essential services. People will only be permitted to leave their houses under strictly controlled circumstances such as to seek medical care, to purchase food and medical supplies, and to collect social grants.
All shops and business will be closed with the exception of essential services such as health care providers and food suppliers.
A full list of permitted services is to be published by the government.
“…South Africa has been placed under a 21 day national lock down from midnight, 26 March to midnight, 16 April“
President Ramaphosa said that cases in South Africa will continue to rise and that all South Africans are required to implement the prescribed methods of containment. He emphasised that “every person in South Africa should adhere strictly” to the methods implemented to “flatten the curve” of the disease’s spread.
At the time of the address, South Africa has 402 confirmed cases across all nine provinces.
The WHO continues its call for solidarity as global counts pass 370 000 positive cases as of 20:00.
Should any student or staff member be exposed or experience symptoms such as a dry cough, fever and difficulty breathing, they are advised to isolate themselves and contact a health practitioner or the 24-hour Operational Management and Crisis Centre on 0800 0064 28 or 012 420 2310.
Kayla is the Editor of PDBY for 2020 and 2021. She joined the copy team in 2017, and became head layout editor in 2018 before starting her term as Editor. Kayla is obsessed with PDBY and is considering moving into the office to live with Pssst... forever. You can reach her by email.