Level 2 loading: Zweli Mkhize confirms ‘stricter lockdown’ talks in progress

We’ve had the experts, the scientists, and the leading epidemiologists weigh-in. Now, a senior member of government has also acknowledged that a move to Level 2 of lockdown is a distinct possibility. Zweli Mkhize has revealed that a stricter lockdown is on the cards for the country – with the matter now shifting from the realms of ‘if’ to ‘when’.

South Africa ‘approaching Level 2’

It boils down to this: South Africa enjoyed relatively low COVID-19 cases towards the end of last year – but superspreader events helped the virus resurge, sending us all back into Level 3 lockdown before the start of January. The government wants to do everything in its power to limit large gatherings, and clamp-down on people travelling far and wide.

Several prominent voices in the scientific community raised their concerns with Cabinet this week. Indeed, it would appear that they’ve made themselves heard. Zweli Mkhize is under no illusion about what could happen next.

According to the Health Minister, the matter about moving to Level 2 of lockdown ‘is now being finalised’. Although some Cabinet members have pushed for the easing of restrictions, it seems that temporary measures will be put in place over Easter. Any ‘relegation’ to a tougher Alert Phase would not be long-lasting, it seems.

Zweli Mkhize says tougher lockdown restrictions ‘being finalised’

Minister Mkhize appeared on SABC earlier, and did his best to keep the cards close to his chest. However, he did reveal that there have been ‘recommendations’ to crank-up the restrictions from government advisors. At Level 2, alcohol sales would be restricted and the size of gatherings limited – and these rules are all but certain to be in place BEFORE Easter.

“That [Level 2] matter is being finalised, I don’t have the full answer as we speak, but there have been recommendations for stricter lockdown restrictions – but there were others who were also requesting the easing of restrictions.”

Zweli Mkhize