South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday dismissed rumors of the country returning to lockdown level three, reported The Eyewitness News.
Despite warnings of Covid-19 resurgence, including from health minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize, Ramaphosa said a strict lockdown was not on the cards. The South African president confirmed this while responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday on COVID-19 and the government’s fight against corruption.
“I don’t want our people to be alarmed with rumors such as we’re going to level 3. That is simply not true and I want to assure everyone that is not true,” the president said.
His response followed several incidents of public and businesses not adhering to COVID-19 regulations.
President Ramaphosa said that while he was concerned about the recent spike in Covid-19 infections, there is no need for the people to be alarmed about lockdown regulations. He said that he still remained concerned about public behavior.
“What we now need to do in light of what we are going through, I don’t want to be alarmist and I don’t want our people to be alarmed with the rumors such we are going to level three, that is simply not true and I want to assure everyone that that is not true,” the South African president said.
Ramaphosa said that he would make an announcement on regulations when needed.
“If it ever gets there, I will be the one to advise the nation where we are and where we are going to, so now all we need to do is adhering to our preventative measures and wear your masks,” he said.
The South African president also said that he had received a report from a team advising his government on Covid-19, and that he would be considering it before addressing the nation during next week.
