Ramaphosa dismisses rumours of hard lockdown reinforcement

On Tuesday, while answering questions from parliament Ramaphosa said news of SA being put back to level 3 were “simply not true”.

“If it ever gets there I will be the one to advise the nation of where we are and where we are going to be.’’

However, Ramaphosa made a stern call for the public to continue adhering to health measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 particularly moving into the festive season.

“We are continuing to actively analyse and manage each situation with the assistance of the medical advisory committee. We are beginning to see signs that are of concern to us.

“As South Africans, we are not all adhering to the protective measures such as wearing of masks, washing our hands.’’

Ramaphosa said he was analysing a report on the latest Covid-19 infection trends and was to address the nation in the coming days, possibly next week on the steps needed to be taken heading into the festive season.

He said that several people got infected following large gatherings.

“That is worrying. We need to make sure we give head to the adherence that has been put to us by medical advisors.’

Minister of the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu also warned that Covid-19 was still with us and continuing practising health measures was important.

“The threat of a second surge that is hitting other nations elsewhere, lurks above our land.

“Every effort and every resource earmarked for the fight against the pandemic cannot be allowed to be diverted by a few among us without full consequences, including recouping such resources back to the state.’’

The presidency team also appealed to the public to not be alarmed by fake news but to rely on credible sources.

Since March there has been several fake news posted in relation to the lockdown or that the President would be addressing the nation.

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