Tougher lockdown restrictions for SA ‘now highly likely’, expert warns

The inevitable is approaching for several major provinces in South Africa – but the whole country has now been put on high alert by Dr. Keith Cloete. The Western Cape Department of Health expert has stated that tougher lockdown restrictions are now ‘highly likely’ for Mzansi as a whole – with some regions still in the midst of their SECOND waves.

Tougher lockdown restrictions ‘drawing near’

Dr. Cloete said on Sunday that implementing these stricter measures ‘is a matter of national competency’. In the Northern Cape, where test positivity rates have pushed up to 25%, the need for intervention couldn’t be greater.

“It’s a national competency to put lockdown restrictions in place. The likelihood of them appearing is high because the number of cases are alarmingly increasing across the country. There is a high possibility of tougher restrictions [being imposed] – it’s also worth considering that the Northern Cape never really came out of its second wave.”

Winde warns about gathering sizes and locations

These gloomy sentiments have been echoed by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde. He predicts that the third wave of COVID-19 will grip the province ‘within the next few weeks’, bringing forward a set of tighter lockdown restrictions.

“On our current trajectory, we may be facing a third wave in two-to-three weeks’ time. This depends on several factors, most importantly, the behavior of our residents in preventing the spread of the virus. We must not give up now. We must dig deep, stay safe and stay strong in the weeks ahead.”

“The Western Cape is currently facing a resurgence as it has seen increases in its case numbers every day, over the past 12 days. While this is not yet a third wave, it is the first sign that we are moving towards one. When gathering with friends and family, it is essential that you keep it short, outside and small.” | Premier Alan Winde