A positive trend in South Africa’s Covid-19 statistics and recent comments from health officials indicate that government could relax lockdown restrictions for South Africa in the coming weeks, say economists from the Bureau for Economic Research (BER).
The group cited comments by the Department of Health on Friday (3 September), with health minister Joe Phaala stating that as soon as there is a sustained decrease in infections, he would advise the president to relax restrictions.
“Given the recent positive trends in new Covid-19 cases in most provinces, a further loosening of lockdown restrictions could follow in the next week or so.
“The ministry also confirmed that sufficient stocks are now available to vaccinate everyone who needs a jab: if enough people would show up, South Africa is able to do between 300,000 and 400,000 shots per day.”
Last week, South Africa vaccinated about 250,000 people per weekday. However, vaccination rates
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
