Coronavirus: SA surpasses 10 000 cases with 194 deaths
“The transition to the next phase of the coronavirus response, that of recovery, will be more difficult than the present one. The risk of infection outbreaks will increase. The demands on our clinics and hospitals and medical personnel will grow,” he said.
Since the beginning of May, South Africa has been under Level 4 of a nationwide lockdown that saw 1.5 million workers return to work but with strict restrictions still in place.
Ramaphosa said the next phase of the coronavirus response will see government stepping up intensive screening, testing and case management.
“We will introduce new measures to make contact tracing more effective. We will need to implement mass sanitisation of workplaces, public transport and other spaces,” he said.
READ: South Africa beyond Covid-19
Ramaphosa noted that South Africa’s success in overcoming the coronavirus will ultimately be determined by the changes we make in our behaviour.
“Even after lockdown – especially after lockdown – we will still need to observe social distancing, wear face masks, wash hands regularly, and avoid contact with other people. We will need to reorganise workplaces, schools, universities, colleges and other public places to limit transmission.
“We will need to adapt to new ways of worshipping, socialising, exercising and meeting that minimise opportunities for the virus to spread.”
