SA to go into lockdown from Thursday night
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a nationwide lockdown for 21 days that will begin on Thursday at midnight.
This is meant to curb the spread of coronavirus.
On Monday, the number of people infected in the country reached 402 and is expected to rise.
"From midnight, on Thursday 26th March until midnight Thursday the 16th of April, all South Africans will have to stay at home. The categories of people who will be exempted from this lock-down are the following, health workers in the public and private sectors, emergency personnel, those in security services such as the police, traffic officers, military medical personnel, soldiers and other persons necessary for our response to the pandemic," said Ramaphosa.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be deployed to assist the police to ensure that citizens adhere to the lockdown.
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All shops will be closed except for pharmacies, supermarkets, banks, petrol stations, and healthcare providers.
"Individuals will only be allowed to leave their homes under strictly controlled circumstances, such as to seek medical care, buy food, medicine, and other supplies or to collect a social grant," he added.
Shelters that meet the correct hygiene standards will be used for the homeless.
Read the president’s full speech below:
SA to go into lock-down from Thursday night by GaoOliviaPhalaetsile on Scribd