Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma have initiated a further extension of the National State of Disaster on COVID-19 until 15 April.
South Africa has been under the adjustment of the National State of Disaster on COVID-19 since March 2020 when the first positive case of the virus was reported.
According to the Minister, the extension takes into consideration the need to continue augmenting the existing legislation and contingency arrangements undertaken by the state to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also recently indicated that the national government is looking into ending the State of National Disaster, but must first ensure that the necessary health measures are in place to help manage the pandemic.
We are looking into ending the State of National Disaster, but we must ensure that we have the necessary health measures in place to help us effectively manage the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/gNlh07VjpI
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 12, 2022
Meanwhile, Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde condemn the extension of the National State of Disaster indicating that Ramaphosa owes South Africa an explanation.
“It is concerning that the extension took place without a President’s Coordinating Council meeting, which meant that provinces were unable to engage with the National Government on this matter.
“The bottom line is that we cannot be in a state of disaster indefinitely. The provincial budget, which we tabled yesterday, makes clear that we remain fully prepared to respond to further COVID-19 waves, and that we will continue to invest in our vaccination programme to save lives,” Winde said.
South Africa has also now reported 671 new COVID-19 cases, the Department of Health confirmed on Monday, 14 March.
As of today the cumulative number of #COVID19 cases identified in SA is 3 695 175 with 671 new cases reported. Today 0 deaths have been reported bringing the total to 99 725 deaths. The cumulative number of recoveries now stand at 3 577 338 with a recovery rate of 96.8% pic.twitter.com/NYjYmA593g
— Department of Health (@HealthZA) March 14, 2022
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