COVID-19: Restrictions To Be Eased From May 1 In South Africa

President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced, on Thursday, a nationwide lockdown that will run for five weeks and will see a lax in restrictions starting from the coming month.

In a public address, Ramaphosa said, “We have accordingly decided that beyond Thursday the 30th of April, we should begin a gradual and phased recovery.

“We will implement what we call a risk-adjusted strategy through which we take a deliberate and cautious approach to the easing of current lockdown restrictions.”

The lockdown initiated in South Africa commenced on the 27th of March, with people restricted from leaving their homes except to get groceries and other medical items.

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He added, “While a nationwide lockdown is probably the most effective means to contain the spread of the virus, it cannot be sustained indefinitely."

According to Ramaphosa, there is “clear evidence” that the lockdown was fruitous.

“Our people need to eat, they need to earn a living. Companies need to produce and trade.”

South Africa has the highest number of cases on the African continent, with a record of 3,953 confirmed cases and 75 deaths.

The country's health minister, Zweli Mkhize, said that the country still had a “tough battle to fight."