Citing 'economic hardship', South Africa begins easing lockdown
Cyril Ramaphosa
South Africa has started to gradually ease its strict coronavirus lockdown on Friday,seeking a balance between containing the disease and providing much-needed relief for the economy.
The government has adopted a gradual and phased approach to re-open the country from May 1.
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In a televised May Day speech, President Cyril Ramaphosa said"the poor and the working class are having to bear the burden of a global pandemic that has caused severe economic and social disruption,''adding that pre-existing challenges had been "exacerbated by the pandemic".
South Africa has recorded 5,647 coronavirus cases and 103 deaths out of a population of 58 million, relatively low numbers compared with COVID-19 hotspots in Europe or the United States.
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According to Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel, ''approximately1.5 million workers in selected industries return to work in the next phase under strict health conditions.''
Winter clothing, textile and packaging manufacturing are among the industries permitted to reopen factories. Restaurants will also open, but only for takeaway deliveries. Bans on the sale of cigarettes and alcohol will remain in effect.
Some outdoor activities such as cycling, walking and running will be allowed but for just three hours in the morning.
Social distancing and wearing masks in public and at workplaces will be mandatory.
According to Cooperative Governance Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, "companies that breach regulations will be forced to close."
Africa's most industrialised nation was already teetering with low growth and high debts when the lockdown kicked in on March 27.
Five weeks ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered most citizens to remain indoors and shuttered all but essential businesses. The response to the pandemic had won praise from the World Health Organization.