South Africa waits in anticipation as the days rolling by, edging closer to the next stage of the lockdown extension. The government’s strategy in rebooting the economy starts at level 4 on Friday 1 May and many people don’t really understand what this all means.
The announcement was made by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday evening. This, he said, was the next phase in dealing with the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in South Africa.
South Africa gears up to relaunch the economy
The president explained that the nationwide lockdown was the first step and now that infections have been slowed, the time has come to reopen the economy, taking baby steps towards saving what’s left of our economy.
This elaborate plan is set to take off at least three months away from what experts believe is the peak period of COVID-19 in South Africa.
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If it works, Ramaphosa, who has already won the nation over with his early response to the virus, will certainly mark history with the same ink that bears his mentor and iconic president Nelson Mandela.
SA’s five levels of countering COVID-19
South Africa’s COVID-19 disaster management strategy is approached in five levels. The extended nationwide lockdown was the most drastic, at level 5.
On Friday 1 May, some cities will be moved down to level 4. Notice that we said “some”, but we will come to this later.
Lockdown level 4: Everything you can and can’t do
For those who will experience level 4, this is a point-by-point factsheet on what this means:
At this level, extreme cautions will be taken to slowly reopen economic activity.
- those who are elderly and those with underlying conditions must remain at home and take additional precautions to isolate themselves;
- the sale of cigarettes will be permitted;
- the range of goods that may be sold will be extended to incorporate certain additional categories;
- restaurants will be able to deliver food to customers.
- there will be no sit-down meals and no takeaway facilities at restaurants;
- businesses permitted to resume operations must first prepare their workplaces;
- all gatherings, apart from funerals and for work, will remain prohibited;
- people can exercise under strict public health conditions; and
- public transport will continue to operate, with limitations on the number of passengers
The slight increase in human traffic outside is expected. This will be a tough challenge for Ramaphosa as he leads the country in taking the first step towards normalcy.
The public is still encouraged to stay at home, other than for essential personal movement.
