Around 20 000 new infections per day were reported during the second peak in January, and similar numbers would likely force South Africa to face stronger restrictions.
The government now see lockdown measures as a ‘last resort’. A brutal period of lockdown in 2020 has left many South Africans fearful of further restrictions, after our freedoms were curtailed immensely on two occasions.
The third wave of COVID-19 is just about here in South Africa. Provinces like Gauteng and the Free State have already declared a virus resurgence within their provincial borders. The Northern Cape is next in line, and should cases continue to rise nationwide, a ‘family meeting’ with President Ramaphosa would become increasingly likely.
In truth, South Africa no longer has the resources to implement harsh, unforgiving periods of lockdown. But that doesn’t mean they cannot withdraw some civil liberties. Alcohol restrictions, border closures, and public gatherings would be amongst some of the government’s favoured interventions – but Cyril hasn’t given any guarantees yet.
Ramaphosa, on a working visit to Paris, conducted an interview with France24. He didn’t rule out a rougher lockdown – but stressed that the third wave would have to be causing some significant problems beforehand:
“We’ve been seeing the emergence of what we think is a third wave of COVID-19. We are watching it very closely, if it comes, we are ready. The issue of a lockdown will only be looked at, depending on the severity of this third wave.”
Image GCIS (Pres Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa greeting minister of International Relations Dr Naledi Pandor who are both in France for a Summit).
