South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is soon expected to make an announcement on the measures to be implemented to curb the spread of coronavirus during the upcoming Pesach, Easter, and Ramadan religious celebrations, Acting Minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday, reported Eye Witness News.
Ntshavheni said that the government was taking the necessary steps to ensure proper measures are taken when many South Africans celebrate the religious Easter long weekend.
“In terms of speculations around announcements about how we are going to handle the Easter period or the upcoming religious holiday period, we’ve been clear that there should be a plan in place,” Ntshavheni said after a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
The South African minister said President Ramaphosa would be addressing the nation soon.
Experts have warned that a third wave could soon hit the country due to potential mass gatherings and events over the Easter weekend.
Ntshavheni announced that phase 2 of the country’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout will begin in May 2021. She said that the second phase is scheduled to last for six months and will run until October 2021.
“This phase will cover over 13,350,140 people in the vulnerable groups, essential workers, and occupational health and safety streams,” the South African minister said. “(This will include) workers in sectors that are critical for economic recovery such as mines, hospitality, taxi industry, retail and spaza shops, fruit and vegetable vendors, media and other applicable beneficiaries.”
The minister said that phase 3 of the vaccination drive will be implemented starting November 2021 until February 2022. The phase will cover the rest of the country’s population, including those who were not vaccinated in Phase 2. It will target 22,600,640 people.
South Africa has reported 1,541,563 confirmed coronavirus cases so far. There have been 52,535 total fatalities and 1,467,254 recoveries recorded across the country.
