On Saturday, May 29, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that tighter restrictions are on the cards for South Africans as we enter into the third wave of the pandemic. Ramaphosa is expected to host another “family meeting” as the winter season rolls in with full force.
“Indications are that our country is entering the third wave as the Covid-19 infections are just going up and we must do everything in our power to mitigate this. We once again have to remind South Africans to be vigilant and protect themselves and each other,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa expressed concern over increasing COVID-19 figures in the Northern Cape, reports Times Live. The province has shown the highest infections per capita in the country at nearly 34 to 100, followed by the Free State with nearly 15 per 100 infections.
“These provinces have seen a spike in infections during the last few weeks and hospital admissions tell us that the infection rate is high as admissions have been rising considerably. It has been reported that the provinces’ ICU capacity is under a great deal of stress.”
In addition, Ramaphosa stated that South Africa has a “complicated, possibly unhealthy” relationship with alcohol.
“We need to have more in-depth research and a comprehensive national discussion about this matter and our aim, and I urge you to have regard to this during your policy discussions.
“How can we address this alcohol challenge? It is huge, we are reputed to be possibly number three in alcohol-consuming countries. Alcohol also leads to gender-based violence which continues to plague our communities.”
The president has also commented on “misappropriated COVID-19 funds,” as per Times Live.
“There are some unscrupulous and inhumane individuals who used Covid-19 to steal from the people, law enforcement will continue to deal with these.”
He also admitted to the extremely slow pace at which vaccines are being administered.
“Let us urge the elderly to register and upon receipt of their SMS’s to go and get their vaccinations. There have been great stories of how those who have been eligible have been treated quickly but there have also been stories where people have waited for far too long.
“We are going to get rid of all these wrinkles and make sure that there is quick service as we increase the vaccination process.”
The President concluded in assuring the nation that, in the next round of vaccine rollouts, everyone will be able to get the jab.
Picture: Twitter