The time has come, it seems, for South Africa to enter what is officially known as its ‘final lockdown phase’. Level 1 restrictions are set to be unveiled by Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday evening, after it was confirmed by the presidency that he would address the nation on television and via a live stream online.
What time will Cyril Ramaphosa address the nation?
Reports emerged earlier on Wednesday that an evening address was on the cards for South Africa. After a mountain of speculation piled up, the presidency finally confirmed that Cyril would talk us through the latest with Level 1 tonight. The head of state is scheduled to begin his speech at 19:00.
ALERT: PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS NATION ON DEVELOPMENTS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation at 19:00 today, Wednesday, 16 September 2020, on developments in South Africa’s risk-adjusted response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Nonceba Mhlauli (@NoncebaMhlauli) September 16, 2020
Live stream: Watch Cyril Ramaphosa address the nation on Wednesday 16 September
[Live stream will appear here just before 19:00, depending on what time Ramaphosa starts his speech]
What we can expect from Level 1
It’ll be one of the more jovial family meetings the president has had to gather us for. After months of hardships and uncertainty, Level 1 represents the most ‘normal’ way of life within a lockdown scenario. Masks and social distancing will still be required going forward, but laws on crowds, gatherings, and even international travel are set for a revamp.
The decision comes after just one month of Level 2 regulations. Coronavirus cases have fallen off sharply in SA, and despite warnings about an eventual second wave of infections, the going is good for the time being. That doesn’t mean caution can be thrown to the wind in the near future, however…
South Africa remains in a State of Disaster, and lockdown laws must still be adhered too. Mass gatherings and full-capacity events are a long way off yet, and even the reopening of our borders will be subject to major caveats.
Read the original article on The South African
