President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation last night on all the new developments surrounding the new variant called the Omicron.
It has come to the attention that many other countries have sought to put a travel ban on South Africa of which the president expressed much disappointment.
“These restrictions are a completely unjustified departure,” the president said.
Ramaphosa says South Africa Remains on Alert level 1
In relation to lockdown levels, South Africa will remain on alert level 1 regardless of the new variant rising presently.
The president encourages everyone to continue to get vaccinated against the coronavirus which continues to impact the country and the economy from any further growth. Among other things, Ramaphosa relayed that until everyone gets vaccinated, the country will continue to experience the emergence of new variants.
“Vaccines are safe and have proven to be so” he urged all uncertain citizens.
Countries that have put a travel ban on South Africa and its sister countries include the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and the European Union.
Following the emergence of the new variant, President Ramaphosa announced that a task team will be exploring mandatory vaccination. Consultations on mandatory vaccinations will focus on specific activities and locations.
In light of the new developments, Ramaphosa also noted that a booster vaccine will be administered to further protect citizens from the coronavirus and its deadly effects.
Other important instructions include continuing to wear masks in public areas which are mandatory and remain to be a criminal offense if not abided by.
The sale of alcohol will not be prohibited but will only be available to buy outside curfew hours which remain from 12 am to 4 am.
Large events are encouraged to be avoided as these are the super spreader cases as noted through the matric raves that took place last year.
