South Africans are keen on hearing from the president on the move to level 1 lockdown matter.
The country has been under different levels of lockdown regulations since March 2020 after the coronavirus pandemic stormed the country.
As a result of this pandemic, so many measures were put in place in order to foster the move from new normal to normal.
Seems Level 1 is safe for SA
The assurance
On Monday, Health minister Zweli Mkhize suggested that the restrictions on lockdown should be reduced.
He added that the country’s Covid-19 data showed that it was safe to move to Level 1 lockdown.
“We never actually knew what to expect and the reality is that we can now safely say we are over the surge.”
“We are not over the worst yet. We are worried about what may happen in terms of a resurgence in the country,” said Mkhize.
“The sooner we can get to level 1 the better, the sooner we have a normal economy the better, it is better for the country.”
Although, he warned that South Africans should not celebrate yet but ensure they take healthy safety measures seriously.
COVID Alert SA
On September 2, South Africa officially unveiled a new app called COVID Alert SA to help fight against covid-19.
According to Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize this app will go a long way in preventing the second wave of the virus and gradually make the economy go back to normal.
The app works by notifying people if they have been exposed to the virus and gives tips on how to protect themselves.
What you need to know about the app is in this video below.
Today we launch South Africa’s contact tracing mobile app that will help curb the spread of the #coronavirus. The #COVIDAlertSA App is now available to help you #StaySafe while protecting those around you. #PlayYourPart and download the app here: https://t.co/LxCYolzJPA #AlertMe pic.twitter.com/uuKZuPEDbN
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 2, 2020
The app is available for download on Google Play and Apple Store.
Schools are ready
On Tuesday, SA Department of Education launched a new platform termed “TeacherConnect”
This will create an avenue to help users connect, be a helpdesk, provide learning, mentoring and tracking through real-time dashboards.
The body said the platform is set up in “an ultra-convenient place – WhatsApp”
Minister of Education, Angie Motshekga said “TeacherConnect is the one-stop digital solution for teachers and learners in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“It would greatly assist in the phased-in-reopening of all public schools”.
This tool is integrated with a covid-19 digital risk assessment and mapping tool called HealthCheck.
“Watch this space”- Ramaphosa
However, on Wednesday Night, President Cyril Ramaphosa in a virtual meeting with SA National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) said the coronavirus command council are consulting with social partners to strategise the next move.
The president highlighted some of the plans ongoing.
“This is where we will need advice from the medical advisory committee as well as from our net joints, which is the real engine of the monitoring of our coronavirus approach, so we will be giving consideration to all that and watch this space…”
The president also added that social partners at the National Economic Development and Labour Council were still finalising the economic recovery plan.
South Africans anticipate to hear from the president next week on the outcome of these consultations.
Watch video of the meeting below.
