EXTENSION OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT

President Ramaphosa addressed the Nation on 11 November 2020: What to know.

In his address on Wednesday evening president Ramaphosa warned that there is evidence of a resurgence of coronavirus infections in certain areas- most notably the Eastern Cape and the Cape Town metropolitan.

The president noted that there has been a sustained upward increase in hospital admissions over the past month. He stated that these increases are most likely a result of super-spreader events taking place due to large gatherings and the low adherence to Covid-19 safety precautions.

Ramaphosa appealed to all South Africans to continue to wear masks, limit indoor gatherings and practise physical distancing.

As a result of the threatening second wave, the National State of Disaster has been extended for another month (Until 15 December 2020) with relief measure also being extended into the near future:

  • the Covid-19 special grant will be extended until January 2021, and
  • the UIF TERS benefit scheme will be extended by one further month to 15 October 2020.

Despite the negative news and the expected implementation of more restrictive lockdown regulations, Ramaphosa surprised all expectations and announced that normal trading hours will be restored for the sale of alcohol at retail outlets, and South African borders are also opening to travellers from “all countries, subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative Covid-19 certificate”.

He concluded his address by requesting all South Africans to wear a black armband from 25 to 29 November, which has been designated as a period of national mourning for the victims of Covid-19 and the ongoing fight against gender based violence and Femicide.

 

Article written by Oliver Bruce – obruce@dacct.co.za

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