It is a return to some sort of ‘normality’ with the further easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions which gives people more freedom to go about their daily tasks.
However, ‘normality’ does not mean complacency.
It’s not over yet.
In recent weeks there has been a dramatic decrease in the Covid-19 infection rate.
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However, medical experts say that there is a possibility of a second wave.
So far, the virus has not only wreaked havoc in South Africa but around the world and it is not showing any signs of abating.
Some countries are currently in the throes of the second surge.
Wearing of masks, sanitising of hands, social and physical distancing should be adhered to at all times.
But this simple task, not only to protect themselves but others with whom they come into contact, seem to be beyond the capacity of some people.
Take a walk around your local shopping centre and you will know exactly what I am talking about.
People going about without masks with no care in the world.
Social distancing is yesterday’s news, with people crowding at takeaways. Surely no one eats that many takeaways?
Vigilance is key to beating the virus which has destroyed the economy and people’s livelihoods.
However, some people have a blase attitude, believing they won’t contract the virus.
Which planet are they on?
A second hard lockdown will be catastrophic for all.
Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke revealed this week that the South African economy contracted by a staggering 51 percent in the second quarter of 2020, as the country reeled from the consequences of the Covid-19 enforced lockdown, .
Mr Maluleke described the development as a severe punch in the gut to the country’s economy.
“South Africa’s economy suffered a significant contraction during April, May and June, when the country operated under widespread lockdown restrictions in response to Covid-19,” said the national statistics service.
The period coincided with the hardest levels of the country’s lockdown, as government limited movement and economic activity in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.
All industries were affected, with the exception of agriculture.
Household spending, Stats SA said, slumped by 49.8 percent.
These are sobering facts.
Let’s not be selfish, let’s make the small sacrifices today, so we can continue to enjoy freedom of movement tomorrow.
If there is no need to go out, don’t.
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