THE Democratic Alliance’s leader John Steenhuisen has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to end the lockdown curfew before New Year’s Eve.
Steenhuisen said the DA does not support this part of the restriction, because the party views the restrictions as irrational.
South Africa’s current curfew during level 1 lockdown is between midnight and 4am. This will affect most New Year’s Eve festivities.
“Hospitalisation rates are very low across the country and the Omicron variant is far more mild than past variants. Meanwhile vaccines have proven to be extremely effective at protecting against severe disease and death so those in the high risk group have an ample opportunity to opt for personal protection,” said Steenhuisen.
Steenhuisen said the real crisis remains with the state of the economy and widespread suffering from loss of livelihoods impacted by lockdown Covid-19 restrictions.
He further issued a strong view on lockdown and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
“Now more than ever we believe it should be lifted once and for all and before New Year’s eve. Ending the curfew is an easy and logical way to boost the economy particularly the restaurants and events industry which are major employers and have taken huge strain and made sacrifices during the pandemic,” he said.
