‘The damage has been done’

An economist says the easing of certain restrictions in the move to Level 3 on Monday will help the economy – with at least eight million people set to return to work – but it will take many years to ‘get out of the hole’ the country is in.

Ministers who serve in the National Coronavirus Command Council briefed the media on the regulations relating to the Covid-19 Level 3 restrictions yesterday, starting with Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel.

Dlamini-Zuma said that hotspots (most of the major metros and other designated areas with high levels of infection) would be subjected to more stringent regulations on movement.

Tobacco will remain banned and drinking will only be allowed off-premises, at home.

Non-contact sports without spectators will also be reintroduced, but the sports minister will have to give further clarity.

Patel said people would be able to pick up food from drivethrus and restaurants from next week, and hot food would again be allowed for sale in supermarkets.

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that people who work in South Africa but live in other countries would still not be allowed to return to the country.

Despite the economy and schools reopening next week, and the return of alcohol sales, Police Minister Bheki Cele said people would still be required to provide evidence on why they were travelling.

He said those travelling for work would be expected to produce a letter from their employers, while those attending a funeral would need a permit from the police and a magistrate. They would also have to return home within 72 hours of the funeral.

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula responded to a question regarding the military clearing their own members of the murder of Collins Khosa, saying government was taken by surprise when hearing the report was with the media.

She said the matter was still under investigation and that she could not comment any further, as the matter is sub judice.

She said borders would remain closed, except for evacuation and repatriation purposes and transportation of goods.

Foreign scholars will be allowed to return, provided they have a permit, while the department of home affairs will resume issuing birth certificates.

Asylum and refugee services, however, will remain closed, with expiring certificates to remain valid until 31 July.