Fellow South Africans,
In simply 4 days from now, we will likely be ushering in a brand new yr.
That is historically a time of festivity and celebrating.
Sadly, for us right here in South Africa and for others around the globe, there’s little trigger for celebration this yr.
Yesterday, we handed the mark of multiple million confirmed coronavirus instances in our nation.
Practically 27,000 South Africans are recognized to have died from COVID-19.
The variety of new coronavirus infections is climbing at an unprecedented charge.
Greater than 50,000 new instances have been reported since Christmas Eve.
Nearly all of new instances are rising in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, Gauteng and the Japanese Cape.
Infections are additionally alarmingly on the rise in Limpopo.
Infections are on the rise partly as a result of, as people, we’re social beings and have a necessity to socialize with each other.
We really feel the necessity to go to family and friends, we attend spiritual companies and we go to events.
However this can be a time of heightened hazard within the face of a worldwide pandemic.
The world over international locations are having to take drastic measures to curb new waves of infections.
We’ll all have heard that there’s a new variant of COVID-19 that’s now well-established in our nation.
As our scientists research this variant – known as 501.V2 – and its unfold, it seems that it could be extra contagious than the virus that drove the primary wave of infections.
The fast rise in infections is being fuelled by so-called super-spreader occasions, together with like end-of-year capabilities, household and social gatherings, and music and cultural occasions.
It is a trigger for nice alarm, and factors to an excessive lack of vigilance over the vacation interval.
Now we have let down our guard, and sadly we are actually paying the value.
Now we have not been sporting masks.
We’re not washing our arms or sanitising.
And we’re not preserving a protected distance from others.
Now we have continued to host and attend social gatherings and occasions that in lots of instances flout public well being laws.
As has been the case beforehand, social gatherings considerably enhance the chance of transmission.
Venues are sometimes poorly ventilated and their permitted capability is being exceeded.
Hand sanitiser isn’t getting used, and masks are being worn to realize entry, solely to be taken off as soon as inside.
In these similar social gatherings, the consumption of alcohol in eating places, in nightclubs and taverns has contributed to dangerous behaviour like not sporting masks and never observing social distancing.
Extreme alcohol consumption can be driving up the variety of trauma instances in our hospitals.
In line with the information we now have, with each rest of the restrictions on the sale of alcohol, the variety of trauma instances reporting at our hospitals has elevated.
These trauma instances are placing an pointless pressure on our already stretched public well being services.
Our hospitals, each non-public and public, are already near full capability in quite a few provinces, and ICU beds are both full already or quickly filling up.
Within the Japanese Cape, for instance, the variety of hospitalisations and in-hospital deaths has now surpassed the numbers witnessed within the first surge earlier this yr.
A number of provinces are laborious at work to organize extra beds, ventilators and oxygen to answer this enhance.
Our frontline healthcare employees, who’ve put their lives on the road over the previous 9 months to take care of the unwell, have gotten contaminated in increased numbers.
They’re exhausted, and they’re struggling beneath the pressure of the second wave.
Through the month of December, 4,630 public sector well being workers contracted COVID-19, bringing the overall quantity contaminated because the begin of the pandemic to over 41,000.
Yesterday, I noticed a social media submit from a physician in one among our services, which I wish to share with you, as a result of it captures the state of affairs that our well being employees face.
He writes:
“Half our consultants have COVID.
“Greater than half my colleagues had COVID or are at the moment in quarantine.
“Hospital is FULL. No oxygen factors. Personal hospitals are FULL. Not accepting extra sufferers. No beds anyplace.
“And this isn’t but the height.
“Guys. We’re all going to pay on your lack of ability to be accountable with our LIVES.”
These courageous women and men, who’ve saved our hospitals and clinics open and working via their resilience, braveness and professionalism are actually at even better danger than earlier than. They’re themselves virtually at break level.
They may lose their lives. Extra households will mourn. All due to our actions, and our failure to take accountability.
We’re at a particularly harmful level in our battle in opposition to the pandemic.
Until we act now and until we act decisively, the variety of new infections will far exceed what we skilled through the first wave and hundreds extra individuals will lose their lives.
On the advice of the Nationwide Coronavirus Command Council, and after session with provinces and metro mayors, Cupboard has determined to place the nation on an adjusted Stage 3 from Stage 1 with instant impact.
A number of of the extent 3 laws are being strengthened to additional restrict the potential for transmission, whereas doing every part attainable to maintain the economic system open.
Now we have adjusted the restrictions that may apply at degree 3 primarily based on the teachings we now have realized via our response so far.
There are 4 essential causes for this step:
Firstly, we wish to minimise the chance of super-spreading occasions even additional. Because the variety of individuals with energetic infections rises, there’s a better danger of an contaminated particular person with out signs being current in a gathering and spreading the virus.
Secondly, we wish to lower unsafe interactions between individuals.
Thirdly, we wish to enhance the implementation of our 5 key prevention measures – social distancing, masks, hand hygiene, symptom-checking and testing.
Fourthly, we wish to lower the burden on well being care companies in order that assets could be directed to fulfill the wants of COVID-19 and different sufferers.
Beneath the adjusted degree 3 laws:
– All indoor and outside gatherings will likely be prohibited for 14 days from the date hereof, apart from funerals and different restricted exceptions as detailed within the laws, similar to eating places, museums, gyms and casinos. These will additional be set out by the Minister in laws and will likely be reviewed after that interval.
– Funerals might not be attended by greater than 50 individuals with social distancing.
– Each enterprise premises should decide the utmost variety of workers and prospects permitted at anyone time primarily based on our social-distancing pointers and will not exceed that restrict.- The nationwide curfew will likely be prolonged from 9pm to 6am. Other than permitted employees and for medical and safety emergencies, no person is allowed outdoors their place of residence throughout curfew.
– Non-essential institutions – together with retailers, eating places, bars and all cultural venues – should shut at 8pm. The record of those institutions will likely be launched shortly.
We now know that the best and best approach to scale back transmission of the coronavirus is to put on a fabric masks that covers the nostril and mouth at any time when in public.
Till now the homeowners and managers of outlets and public buildings, employers and operators of public transport have had a obligation to make sure that everybody coming into their premises or automobile is sporting a masks.
However given the grave hazard our nation now faces, the adjusted degree 3 laws will make each particular person legally chargeable for sporting a masks in public.
To any extent further it’s obligatory for each particular person to put on a masks in a public house. An individual who doesn’t put on a fabric masks masking over the nostril and mouth in a public place will likely be committing an offence.
An individual who doesn’t put on a masks may very well be arrested and prosecuted. On conviction, they are going to be liable to a advantageous or to imprisonment for a interval not exceeding six months or to each a advantageous and imprisonment.
It is a drastic measure however is now crucial to make sure compliance with probably the most fundamental of preventative measures.
We stay notably involved in regards to the aged and people with co-morbidities and ask that they do their utmost to guard themselves from the virus, particularly minimising their contact with different individuals.
One of many tougher areas of regulation pertains to the sale of alcohol.
The liquor trade is a serious employer and an essential contributor to our economic system.
Our precedence right now, nonetheless, have to be to save lots of lives.
Reckless behaviour attributable to alcohol intoxication has contributed to elevated transmission.
Alcohol-related accidents and violence are placing stress on our hospital emergency models.
As we needed to within the early days of the lockdown, we now should flatten the curve to guard the capability of our healthcare system to allow it to reply successfully to this new wave of infections.
In such a state of affairs, every bit of medical tools, each hospital mattress, each healthcare employee, and each oxygen tank is required to save lots of lives.
Due to this fact, beneath the strengthened laws:
– The sale of alcohol from stores and the on-site consumption of alcohol is not going to be permitted.
– The prohibition on consuming alcohol in public areas like parks and seashores stays.
– Distribution and transportation will likely be prohibited with exceptions that will likely be defined by the minister.
These laws could also be reviewed inside the subsequent few weeks if we see a sustained decline in infections and hospital admissions.
In impact, the adjusted Stage 3 laws will hold the economic system open whereas strengthening measures to scale back transmission.
With just a few exceptions, companies might proceed to function so long as all related well being protocols and social distancing measures are adhered to.
Evening golf equipment and companies engaged within the sale and transportation of liquor is not going to be allowed to function.
The Stage 3 restrictions will stay in place till 15 January 2021.
These measures will likely be reviewed at the moment on the idea of the state of the pandemic within the nation.
Once I final addressed you, I indicated that in managing the pandemic we’d comply with a differentiated method that took into consideration the rise in infections specifically municipalities.
Municipalities outlined as hotspots will likely be topic to extra restrictions till there’s a clear and sustained decline in infections.
Following a overview of the most recent out there knowledge on infections and hospitalisations, and consultations with affected provinces, Cupboard has determined that the next additional areas be declared coronavirus hotspots.
Within the Japanese Cape, these are Chris Hani District, Buffalo Metropolis, Amathole District, Alfred Nzo District and the OR Tambo District. These are along with Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and the Sarah Baartman District, which have already been declared hotspots.
In KwaZulu-Natal, these are eThekwini, Umgungundlovu District, Ugu District, Harry Gwala District, King Cetshwayo District and Ilembe District.
In Gauteng, the West Rand District, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg are declared hotspots.
Within the Western Cape, the West Coast District, Overberg District, Winelands District, Cape City, Central Karoo District are hotspots. That is along with the Backyard Route District.
Within the North West, Bojanala District is said a hotspot space.
And in Limpopo, the Waterberg District and the Capricorn District are declared coronavirus hotspots.
Once I final addressed you we introduced that sure seashores in our nation can be closed on sure days and others would stay open.
Because the infections proceed to rise Cupboard on the recommendation of the Nationwide Coronavirus Command Council has determined that every one seashores, dams, lakes, rivers, public parks and public swimming swimming pools in hotspot areas will likely be closed to the general public with impact from tomorrow.
Nationwide and provincial parks and different parks the place entry management measures and entry limitations are already in place might stay open to the general public.
These residing within the hotspot districts are strongly inspired to minimise their journey inside the district to important journey in order to minimise contact with different individuals.
Journey to hotspot districts ought to be averted if attainable.
The stark actuality is that each single district on this nation has the potential to turn out to be a hotspot until we observe the present preventative measures.
As we intensify our efforts to stop additional infections, we proceed to work to make sure equitable entry to an efficient COVID-19 vaccine.
As we now have reported earlier than, South Africa is a part of the worldwide pooled procurement initiative co-ordinated by Covid-19 Vaccines International Entry Facility, generally often known as COVAX.
We are able to verify that we now have signed off on the settlement with COVAX and the Solidarity Fund has made the preliminary fee of R283 million to the power.
We’re grateful for the assist we proceed to obtain from the Solidarity Fund throughout all areas of our COVID response. We should always keep in mind that the Solidarity Fund is a multisectoral funded initiative having acquired funding from authorities, quite a few particular person South Africans, varied establishments together with political events in addition to enterprise companies.
We’re a part of the primary group of nations that may obtain an allocation of vaccines from COVAX. Now we have been suggested that we should always count on the vaccines within the second quarter of 2021.
We’re additionally having parallel bilateral discussions with quite a few vaccine producers, and can make additional bulletins as soon as agency agreements are in place.
As a rustic we have to construct a robust partnership between the federal government and enterprise sector to reinforce the assets required in financing the extra vaccines crucial to attain herd immunity.
Engagements to this impact are at a sophisticated stage and we urge the non-public sector to proceed their participation on this endeavour.
We’re working to safe a adequate provide of vaccines within the shortest attainable time to guard probably the most susceptible in our group.
Till then, we now have no alternative however to watch the best diploma of vigilance, and to guard ourselves and others in each manner that we will.
We every have a accountability to put on masks, wash or sanitise our arms, and hold a protected distance from others.
We should keep in mind that this virus is carried via the air, and that we should due to this fact keep away from what has been described because the three Cs – closed areas, crowded locations and shut contact with others.
This virus takes benefit of our over-confidence.
As a result of we really feel wholesome now, we expect we can not get sick.
As a result of they appear advantageous, we imagine that nothing dangerous can occur to our family members.
As older individuals, we expect it’s okay, we’re wholesome, so we will nonetheless go to massive spiritual companies, to funerals and socialise with our mates.
As younger individuals, we might really feel robust and invincible, and imagine that we’re proof against turning into contaminated as a result of we’re younger.
Because of this, we let down our guard. We take dangers.
A lot of those that have been contaminated with the virus, or who’ve misplaced their family and friends in latest months, will let you know how a lot they remorse not taking these precautions once they had the possibility.
We are able to solely climate this storm if we instantly and essentially change our mindsets.
Compliance with the well being laws shouldn’t be merely about fearing the wrath of the legislation.
It shouldn’t be about reluctant observance or peer stress.
That is about frequent sense.
It’s about taking accountability for our personal well being and the well being of others.
It’s about defending our moms and dads, our grandparents, our siblings, our kids, neighbours and mates.
Carrying a masks isn’t about your private alternative or your personal urge for food for danger. As a substitute, it’s about defending others.
When you put on a masks, and the particular person subsequent to you doesn’t, then you aren’t protected.
Provided that everybody wears a masks can we shield all of us from an infection.
By now, every of us is aware of somebody who has been affected by this pandemic indirectly.
There may be none amongst us who can declare we now have not heard of anybody turning into unwell, or dying. It is a disaster that impacts us all.
The earlier we perceive that it might very nicely be us in that ambulance rushing by, or us in that hospital mattress, or us being buried at that funeral, the earlier we come to the truth of what we face proper now.
If we didn’t perceive it earlier than, we should always now see simply how shortly a state of affairs can change for the more serious.
The brand new yr is upon us.
Our kids will quickly be going again to high school.
Locations of studying will reopen so we will resume our research.
We’ll wish to get again to work, to incomes, and to searching for work.
We would like life to renew.
All of us have plans, hopes and goals for 2021.
Maybe the best of all of them is the best.
We want for the brand new yr to convey higher well being, stability and prosperity for ourselves and our households.
We would like it to be higher than the yr that has handed, and that was full of such hardship.
This will turn out to be our frequent actuality if we return to the spirit of solidarity that we now have displayed all through 2020.
We are able to and can defeat this pandemic, however provided that we every play our half.
When you expertise any gentle signs, similar to a fever, a dry cough or tiredness, isolate your self instantly and cancel any plans that you just might need had.
When you’ve got problem respiratory or shortness of breath, fever, cough, lack of odor or style, search medical consideration whereas minimising contact with others.
Obtain the COVID Alert SA app and get notified when you have been involved with somebody who exams optimistic.
The app has already notified many hundreds of individuals of their potential publicity to the virus and has prevented additional transmission.
When you’ve got been uncovered, quarantine your self instantly.
I do know that almost all of you’ve gotten heard this all earlier than.
However I say it once more as a result of it’s the solely manner we will hold ourselves and each other protected.
If all of us rigorously adhere to fundamental precautions, we’ll see a right away decline in infections and hospital admissions.
This New 12 months’s Eve will likely be totally different to any we now have skilled earlier than.
A number of South Africans have recommended that we should always have fun the daybreak of the New 12 months it another way.
They’ve recommended that As a substitute of events, allow us to spend time with these closest to us.
There have been quite a few recommendations in social media that As a substitute of fireworks, allow us to every mild a candle.
Allow us to every mild a candle in reminiscence of those that have misplaced their lives, in tribute to these on the frontline who’re working tirelessly to guard us from hurt, in appreciation of the nice sacrifices which have been made this previous yr, and within the confidence that the yr forward will convey well being, peace and hope to our individuals.
I’ll mild a candle in Cape City at precisely midnight on New 12 months’s Eve in reminiscence of those that have misplaced their lives and in tribute to those that are on the frontline working to save lots of our lives and shield us from hurt.
I ask that you just be part of me wherever you might be on this crucial symbolic gesture.
Allow us to proceed to work as one nation, united and decided.
Now we have executed it earlier than. We are able to do it once more.
There’ll come a day when this pandemic will likely be over.
On that day, we should be capable of look each other within the eye and say: ‘We gave it our all, we every performed our half, we labored collectively as one nation, and we prevailed.’
Could God Bless South Africa and shield her individuals.
I thanks.