SA eases more Covid restrictions to lift economy

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an end to more Covid-19 lockdown restrictions from Wednesday.

Most of the country has been back in business for months, and the latest changes will see the return of popular social gatherings and more economic activities.

President Ramaphosa says local research shows that between 60-80% of the population has some kind of Covid-19 immunity, either from previous infection or through vaccination.

Because of this, he says, the government is moving to further reopen some industries and ease mask-wearing for citizens.

The new regulations will see the reopening of stadiums, theatres and music venues to the public, which is expected to help revive sport, tourism and the arts industries.

Venues will however need to make sure that patrons have either been vaccinated or produce proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours – and keep numbers to 50% of a venue’s capacity.

Mr Ramaphosa says that international travellers will still need to produce a negative PCR test or proof of vaccination when they arrive in the country.

Vaccination facilities will also be provided to travellers who wish to be vaccinated on arrival.

Wearing of masks will now only be required in enclosed spaces.

The president said the country was moving away from a disaster management response to relying on a health protocols approach to manage Covid-19.

The government will be introducing a new legislation next month which will among other things do away with mandatory self-isolation for people who are asymptomatic.

The proposed legislation will be open for public comments until 15 April and will form part of the country’s long-term plan in dealing with coronavirus over the years.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: AFP