South African Medical Association welcomes move to level 2
Moving to level 2 is welcomed, but citizens are urged to remember that this is not the end of the fight against the pandemic.
South Africa’s move to level 2 of the national lockdown is a step in the right direction, says the South African Medical Association (SAMA).
Commenting on the news on Sunday, SAMA chairperson, Dr Angelique Coetzee, said: “This is the correct decision by government and signals a major shift in the country’s response to the coronavirus. We are happy with this decision and believe it will go some way to begin addressing some of the economic issues our country currently faces.”
Coetzee’s comments come as President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would move to lockdown level 2 from midnight today, Monday, 17 August.
Dr Coetzee said it is particularly important for SAMA that the President acknowledged the role of doctors and healthcare workers in dealing with the coronavirus, and the sacrifices many have made in fighting the pandemic.
“Our doctors are on the frontline of fighting Covid-19 and continue to put themselves and their families at risk every time they leave for work. We applaud these courageous men and women for their dedication and commitment to the health of the nation. We stand with the President in recognising these efforts and similarly express our condolences to those who have died in the service of others,” Coetzee said.
While supporting the move to alert level 2, SAMA echoed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for people to continue wearing masks, washing and sanitising their hands, and practicing social distancing.
“It’s extremely important that South Africans understand that we are not rid of this coronavirus, and that the road ahead remains long and uncertain. Moving to level 2 is welcomed but people must not think this is the end of the fight against the pandemic. We must all still play our role in curbing the spread of the coronavirus, and ensure we are all still safe going forward,” Dr Coetzee said.
For more information, visit the South African Medical Association’s website by clicking here.
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