Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale has warned that the 21 days national lockdown may be extended if people do not remain in their homes for the remaining days.
He explained that if the country does not manage to “flatten the curve” of the Covid-19 pandemic, there would be “no other option” but to extend the lockdown.
He also said the regulations are non-negotiable. “The virus spreads quickly when people move up and down. South Africans must self-isolate for the remainder of the 21 days, in order to fight the virus.”
He stated the categories of business allowed to work during the lockdown period were obliged to operate within the framework of the stipulated times.
“Taxis and public transport services must only transport commuters at the designated times in the morning and evening and not at any other time.”
Mathale told SAPS and SANDF members to “make their presence felt” and to tighten controls to ensure that the public adhered to the regulations.
“We rely on you to go out to the communities and fill the streets. We must assist at the malls, and arrive early so that we can control the queues when social grants are paid out. If we arrive late, we will not be able to regulate and observe social distancing if there are a large gatherings.”
He further said that if citizens observed the regulations, they will be able to resume their daily activities. “If we flatten the curve of the pandemic, then South Africa can go back to normal.”
The number of Covid-19 confirmed cases globally is currently at 873,767 with 43,287 deaths and 176, 043.
Five people have died of coronavirus in South Africa to date with 1,353 confirmed cases and 50 recoveries according to worldometer.info.
Nigeria has 139 confirmed cases with two fatalities.
Obviously, the curve is still on upward trend and not flattening in South Africa.
