Covid-19: iLembe district second in KZN days before Level 4 set to start

From May 1 you must wear a face mask when leaving your property, a rule implemented by President Cyril Ramaphosa when he addressed the nation last week.

This is critical for iLembe, as of Tuesday the district was in KZN second only to eThekwini (579) with 122 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

As loadshedding was implemented in phases, so Level 5 lockdown becomes Level 4 on Friday.

President Ramaphosa spoke about measures to curb the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak and highlighted that lockdown was working.

However, a lockdown cannot be sustained.

“We have decided that beyond April 30, we should begin a gradual and phased recovery of economic activity. We will implant what we call a risk-adjusted strategy which we take a deliberate and cautious approach to the easing of current lockdown restrictions,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said lifting the lockdown too abruptly and in an uncontrolled manner could lead to a massive resurgence of Covid-19 cases.

The five lockdown levels are: 

• Level 5: Drastic measures to contain the spread of the virus and save lives.
• Level 4: Extreme precautions to limit community transmission and outbreaks, while allowing some activity to resume.
• Level 3: Restrictions on many activities, including at workplaces and socially, to address a high risk of transmission.
• Level 2: Physical distancing and restrictions on leisure and social activities to prevent resurgence of the virus.
• Level 1: Most normal activity can resume, with precautions and health guidelines followed at all times.

A national level will be in effect, and each province will also have its own level.

On a smaller scale, districts and metros will also have separate levels owing to the need of containment measures.

South Africa moves to Level 4 on Friday.

“The National Coronavirus Command Council will determine the level based on assessment of the infection rate and capacity of the health system to provide care for those who need it,” said Ramaphosa.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said on April 25: “Level four means more companies will open and people will return to work. That is the major change. If the numbers remain stable on level four, and they start to decline, we may move onto Level 3.”

Inter-provincial travel remains prohibited except under exceptional circumstances, including returning to work, attending funerals and returning to school and university once allowed.

Otherwise, South Africans should remain at home unless going to work, buying essential goods or in need of medical care.

You may still not visit family, friends or neighbours.

Exercise is also to be allowed under conditions still to be spelled out this Thursday (see pg 16 of this week’s North Coast Courier).

Trade and Industry minister, Ebrahim Patel said restaurants, take-a-ways and similar places will re-open for delivery only.

“You will not be able to go to the restaurant to sit down, but can phone or make other arrangements and ensure you are able to tap into the food that is available. It is an opportunity to create food delivery networks in townships,” he said.

• Further detailed information on Level 4 restrictions will be announced on Thursday night, April 30.

Stay tuned to our website at northcoastcourier.co.za or follow us on social media for the latest information. (Facebook / Twitter)

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