In eye of storm: S Africa closes borders amid rising circumstances

South Africa will shut border posts with neighbouring nations for entry and departure as circumstances surge as a result of new coronavirus variant, President Cyril Ramaphosa has introduced.
In a nationwide broadcast on Monday night, Ramaphosa scotched widespread hypothesis that there could be a transfer to Level 4 restrictions as a result of rising infections and deaths, particularly as individuals return residence and to work following the festive season.
He stated the present Level 3 would proceed till it was deemed secure to take away among the restrictions, such because the ban on sale and motion of alcohol and a prohibition on public gatherings, aside from funerals with strict protocols noticed.
There have been 339 extra coronavirus deaths in a single day throughout the nation.
“The coronavirus storm is far fiercer and much more destructive than anything we have known before. We are now in the centre of that storm,” Ramaphosa stated. “We do not know how much longer it will last or how much worse it will get, but we know what we need to do to weather this storm and to survive.”
“It’s necessary to keep the alert level 3 measures in place until we have passed the peak of new infections and we are certain that the rate of transmission has fallen enough to allow us to safely ease the current restrictions,” he stated.
The president elucidated the choice on the border closure following extreme congestion at border posts with neighbouring nations, particularly Zimbabwe and Mozambique, as hundreds of individuals tried to re-enter South Africa prior to now fortnight.
“This (congestion) has exposed many people to infection as they wait to be processed; and it has been difficult to ensure that the health requirements for entry into South Africa are met. Many people are arriving without proof of COVID-19 tests,” Ramaphosa stated.
“To reduce congestion and the high risk of transmission, cabinet has decided that the 20 land ports of entry that are currently open will be closed until 15th February for general entry and departure.”
Ramaphosa, nonetheless, listed the exemptions, comparable to transporting gas and cargo, emergency medical consideration for a life-threatening situation, return to South Africa by its residents or others with legitimate visas and departure of overseas nationals.
On the decision by trainer unions to not reopen colleges on January 27, Ramaphosa stated varied stakeholders have been discussing the matter and would decide within the subsequent few days.
The unions have stated many academics had succumbed to the virus already and the chance on this second wave to returning academics and learners was too nice as they may carry the brand new variant of the virus again to their households.
“We need to act with common purpose, understanding that what we each do is important for ourselves, for our families, our communities and our society,” the president stated, underscoring the necessity to put on masks, and observe sustaining social distancing and others protocols.