South Africa on National Lockdown

As a measure to slow down the spread of COVID-19 and the highly infectious corona virus President Cyril Ramaphosa announced tonight that South Africa will be on National Lockdown for 21 days from midnight Thursday March 26, 2020 until midnight Thursday April 16, 2020. 

All South Africans will have to stay at home with the exemption of Health workers, Public and private Emergency services, Security, Police, Traffic, Military soldiers and others.  Also those working in the production and supply of foods and basic goods including lab services, medical and hygiene products and the like will be allowed to do so.  All shops and businesses will be closed except essential food stores, petrol stations, banks, laboratories, pharmacies, etc. 

President Ramaphosa also announced a set of interventions to assist the vulnerable in our society and announced financial support for businesses suffering economically because of COVID-19.  A special Solidarity Fund has been established and is open for support from tonight. 

The tourism industry is extremely hard hit and the National Department of Tourism has allocated R200million towards support for SMME’s.

The President urged all South Africans to act in the interest of South Africa as a nation, and not in their personal interest.

President Ramaphosa ended the nation’s address with the words ‘God bless South Africa’ in the different languages spoken in the country.

The full press statement can be viewed here:

The full text of the statement can be downloaded as well.