By: Natasha Archary
After 750 days, South Africans are no longer in a National State of Disaster. This after President Cyril Ramaphosa ended the 2-year lockdown which was imposed to manage the Covid-19 pandemic.
In an address on Monday, 4 April, Ramaphosa said it’s now time for the country to rebuild, recover and create job opportunities which will strengthen the economy.
There are however some transitional conditions which will remain in place for a further 30-days and this includes the wearing of masks indoors.
In order to give the country a safe transition period out of the State of Disaster, the use of face masks in public indoor spaces will most likely remain.
This will of course depend on public comment which will guide the Department of Health’s National Health Act.
The public have until 16 April to comment on these regulations and whether there is a need for the country to continue with these measures in place.
In addition, the directions that provide for the payment of the special R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant will remain in place.
According to the President, the Department of Social Development will finalise regulations that will allow the payment of the grant to continue.
Although the pandemic is not over, and although we continue to remain cautious, we can be confident that we are in a better position now than we have been at any other time over the last 750 days.https://t.co/K7b6w865hn
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 4, 2022
Earlier this month, the President lifted the use of masks in outdoor public spaces.
The end of the National State of Disaster also means that the Coronavirus Alert Levels will no longer apply.
President Ramaphosa’s address on the end of the National State of Disaster
The few transitional measures that remain are limited in scope, and allow almost all social and economic activity to resume as normal.
They are essential to reduce the risk of a further COVID-19 wave and further disaster.
They also ensure that people can continue to receive their special R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant.
Although the pandemic is not over, and while the country will continue to remain cautious, the President is hopeful that the worst is behind us, and confident that there are only better days ahead.
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