Makhura: Level 5 restrictions off the table

The province is faced with a relentless wave of Covid-19 infections, with more than 10,000 new cases recorded on Thursday. 

This accounted for close to 60% of the national daily statistics.  

On Thursday, Makhura detailed the province’s response to the pandemic amid push for tighter restrictions. 

But Makhura quickly took level 5 off the table. 

“Let’s take one thing out of the picture - we cannot shut down the economy. We can’t ask the National Command Council to shut down the economy completely, because one of the things about Gateung is that it is an economy entity. 

“People are here for economic purposes so if we shut it down, we must answer the question ‘how are we going to assist them to offer relief?’,” Makhura added.  

He believes the province has taken the necessary steps to stem the tide, leaving the tough decisions to the National Coronavirus Command Council.

“Simultaneously, we can’t say this situation will solve itself. We cannot afford to shut down the economy.”

ALSO READ:

The country was placed under level 3 less than two weeks ago, tightening the noose on the liquor industry, a stricter curfew and placing a limit on gatherings. 

Despite his strong feelings about a hard lockdown, Makhura didn’t dismiss the possibility of level 4. 

“Are there more restrictions that include level 4? I would like for you to give us an opportunity to be engaging with our National Command Council.

“I did talk to the President [Cyril Ramaphosa] for sure, I spoke to him this week,” he assured. 

He admitted government would have to sound the alarm and rethink its strategy if the new infections increase by more than 10,000 again in the coming days. 

Watch Makhura below: