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President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation this evening, September 12, in a very groovy shirt. The country has moved from adjusted lockdown level 3 to adjusted lockdown level 2.

Pressure from journalists to answer direct questions was not met.

Here’s a summary of President Ramaphosa’s ‘family meeting.’

  • The president begins with making a point of getting vaccinated. More than seven million people are vaccinated now. The supply of vaccines is no longer constrained.
  • We are now administering a million doses every four to five days.
  • Men are slower to the vaccine uptake compared to woman. The vaccine is free, accessible and safe.
  • There are now more than three thousand public and private vaccination sites. They are open to all people in South Africa — whether or not they are citizens.
  • The sooner we are all vaccinated the sooner we can open sports stadiums, welcome tourists, meet with friends and family, return to offices and other places of work. Will be able to return the economy to full operation and take pressure off the health care system.
  • While the third wave is not yet over, we have seen a steady decline in cases over the last few weeks. The average number of daily infections over the last two weeks is 29% lower than the preceding seven days.

The country moves to adjusted level 2, from Monday September 13, 2021.

  • Curfew: 11pm to 4am.
  • Non essential businesses (bars, gyms etc.) must close at 10pm.
  • All gatherings are limited to 250 people indoors and 500 people outdoors.
  • Where the venue is too small, then no more than 50% capacity of the venue may be used.
  • The sale of alcohol for off-site consumption is allowed between 10am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
  • Alcohol for on-site consumption is regulated per licensing until 10pm.
  • These measures will be reviewed in two weeks time.
  • Vaccine passports are on the cards. These will be used for proof of vaccination.
  • Funerals remain restricted to no more than 50 people. After tears gatherings are still not allowed.

Acknowledgements. 

  • Acknowledges the hardships of restaurants, promoters, artists etc. and emphasises means to assist.
  • Ramaphosa emphasises vaccination before the December holidays to prevent a fourth wave.
  • We vote in exactly 50 days. COVID should not prohibit this democratic right. Vote responsibly. Safety precautions at sites will be put in place.
  • We cannot ignore the country’s other pandemic: the abuse and killing of women.
  • The country needs to fight against gender based violence. The women of our country deserve such a resolve.
  • Ramaphosa calls on men to protect and respect women.

Conclusion.

  • The day will soon come when we can fill sports stadiums and music venues. How soon that day arrives depends on one thing – how many of us get vaccinated and how quickly we do it.

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Picture: Twitter

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