Natasha Archary
President Cyril Ramaphosa remained calm amidst frenzied rumors that he would move the country into another hard lockdown ahead of the Easter holiday.
Alleviating fears, the President spoke about the country’s positive strides in containing the virus and touched on Phase 2 of the vaccine rollout program.
President @CyrilRamaphosa addresses the nation on progress in the national effort to contain the #COVID19 pandemic #StaySafe https://t.co/1EvAQ0ka2T
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) March 30, 2021
Phase 2
“In addition to the vaccine doses, we will receive directly through our agreements with manufacturers, we will also receive an allocation of vaccine doses through the African Union initiative that we established when we held the Chairship of the AU,” Ramaphosa explained.
The President detailed how significant the agreement with AU is because not only does it reinforce that no country be left behind, but also because the vaccines will be produced on African soil.
A further 220 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were procured in an agreement with the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust. The agreement on behalf of AU member states has an option for an additional 180 million doses.
Ramaphosa outlined the remarkable capabilities of the Aspen manufacturing plant in the Eastern Cape, which will be involved in producing the Johnson & Johnson vaccines, honoring the commitment to Africa.
Yesterday, the Deputy President and I visited the Aspen manufacturing plant in the Eastern Cape, which will be involved in producing the Johnson & Johnson vaccines. We were warmly welcomed by Premier Mabuyane and his MECs.https://t.co/BxlN1OLuzp
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 30, 2021
Phase 2 of the vaccine rollout program will begin in May, and the aim is to reach more than 16 million essential workers and people in vulnerable groups.
The country remains on Alert Level 1
Despite predictions for a third-wave of the infection rate spiking over the Easter break, Ramaphosa maintains that South Africa will remain on Alert Level 1. With a few changes to the consumption of alcohol over the Easter long weekend.
Alcohol sales for off-site consumption are prohibited from Friday 2 April to Monday 5 April. pic.twitter.com/OnXjoiCWs4
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) March 30, 2021
Alcohol sales for off-site consumption are prohibited from 2 to 5 April. Sale and on-site consumption may continue during licensed hours until 23h00.
Curfew remains in place from 00h00 to 04h00.
Curfew is from midnight to 4am. pic.twitter.com/jUbxLKmnNB
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) March 30, 2021
Restrictions around gatherings and funerals remain unchanged and the wearing of masks is mandatory at all times.
Religious gatherings are restricted to a maximum of 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors. pic.twitter.com/Q5Bl6cxVKa
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) March 30, 2021
Health protocols must be observed at gatherings, including maintaining a distance of at least 1.5m between people. pic.twitter.com/zARKbzbv1Q
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) March 30, 2021



