President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that government intends to lift the national state of disaster once the public has commented on draft regulations. The deadline for commenting on the regulations expires in mid-April.
Ramaphosa was speaking in a live address to the nation on Tuesday evening.
President Ramaphosa addresses the nation | 22 March 2022
DRAFT REGULATIONS
Ramaphosa says the draft regulations are designed to allow the country to live with the virus as it becomes endemic. The National State of Disaster will be lifted once the public has commented on the health regulations published by the Department of Health.
South Africans are asked to make comments on the draft regulations before the 16th of April 2022
“Due to the changing nature of the pandemic, and due to the progress that has been made through our collective efforts, we intend to lift the National State of Disaster as soon as public comment on the health regulations published by the Minister of health has been completed. These regulations, when finalised, will replace the State of Disaster regulations as the legal instrument that we use to manage the pandemic. All South Africans are invited to make comments on the before the 16th of April,” says Ramaphosa.
RELAXING RESTRICTIONS
Ramaphosa says the relaxing of the restrictions comes as scientists say that South Africa has achieved immunity levels against the coronavirus (COVID-19) of between 60 and 80% – either because of vaccinations or from natural infection.
“After four waves of infection, fewer people are becoming severely ill and requiring hospitalisation. There are far fewer deaths than before. Our scientists tell us that this is mainly because some 60 to 80% of the population has some form of immunity to the virus, either from previous infection or vaccination. From the experience of the past two years, our health services have learnt to manage the disease more effectively,” says Ramaphosa.
The approach going forward is that both indoor and outdoor venues can now take up to 50% of their capacity provided that the criteria for entrance are proof of vaccination or a COVID test not older than 72 hours. #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/1KEtXrjFwu
— GP Community Safety (@GP_CommSafety) March 22, 2022
Ramaphosa has announced a further easing of coronavirus restrictions during level one of the lockdown -including that masks no longer need to be worn outdoors.
The President says indoor and outdoor gatherings can be up to 50% of the venue’s capacity but this is provided that proof of vaccination has been acquired from attendees or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the event.
The maximum number of people allowed to attend a funeral increases to 200 from 100. After tears gatherings are still not allowed.
Ramaphosa says masks still need to be worn indoors including in taxis.
President @CyrilRamaphosa: As before, it is mandatory to wear a cloth mask or similar covering over the nose and mouth when in public indoor spaces. However, a mask is not required when outdoors. pic.twitter.com/NqtORC3NtA
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) March 22, 2022
Address by President Ramaphosa on 22 March 2022
