Residents in favour of ending lockdown
Concerns about job losses, business closures and the slowing economy are some of the reasons residents feel that the confinement must end.
LYDENBURG – An overwhelming majority of residents feel that the lockdown should be suspended.
Steelburger/Lydenburg News asked readers whether they think that the current level-4 lockdown period should be left intact or come to a stop. A whopping 95 per cent of readers said that they are not in favour of the continued lockdown and that it is now only contributing to job losses, small-business closures and income deprivation.
Others suggested that the virus should run its natural course and that, until a vaccine has been found, nothing will prevent further infections in any case.
In the meantime, police minister Bheki Cele said the committee overseeing the regulations of the confinement is discussing the possibility of moving the country from level 4 to 3. Cele said that he could not answer as to when level 3 would be implemented.
Under level 3 of the lockdown, the sale of liquor would be permitted within restricted hours. No mention was however made about the sale of cigarettes during this level.
Residents have, nevertheless, had enough of the current restrictions.
Some of the comments received on the post include:
Marietjie Lensley Lubbe: “We know how to protect ourselves from the virus. Stop the lockdown. We are not children.”
Johny Grobbelaar said that people infected with the virus should be placed in isolation. “Let the economy go ahead with the wearing of masks and sanitation measures.”
Surina Coetser said lockdown should end. “We are starving from hunger!”
Toinette Finlay Keel: “Yes, stop the lockdown. It’s a load of rubbish anyway.”
Kitty van Zyl shared a heartbreaking comment of a friend of theirs that committed suicide the previous day. “They had their own business and he could not handle the financial burden of the lockdown anymore. How alone and worried did he feel? The lockdown is not doing anyone any good. And I have to agree, it does not look like anyone is adhering to it in any case. Please stop it?”
Tom Nefdt also agreed that the restriction should be suspended. “Maintain social distancing, hygiene and masks.”
