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This is the extension of the national state of disaster, not of "lockdown"… https://twitter.com/bongadlulane/status/1294647244956864512
Language matters.
SA went into a national state of disaster on 15 March in light of the coronavirus pandemic (determined as such by @WHO & as accepted by @GovernmentZA).
SA went into a national state of disaster on 15 March in light of the coronavirus pandemic (determined as such by @WHO & as accepted by @GovernmentZA).
The Disaster Management Act permits the renewal of the period of national disaster for a month each time after the first 3 months.
These extensions are of the state of disaster, not of the regulations in toto. This is either done concurrently OR not & may involve amendment.
These extensions are of the state of disaster, not of the regulations in toto. This is either done concurrently OR not & may involve amendment.
Why does this distinction matter?
Because a national state of disaster is NOT itself a lockdown, regulations gazetted in line with that state determine whether or not we are under lockdown.
Currently, the risk-adjusted response regulations have "lockdown" under Levels 3 - 5.
Because a national state of disaster is NOT itself a lockdown, regulations gazetted in line with that state determine whether or not we are under lockdown.
Currently, the risk-adjusted response regulations have "lockdown" under Levels 3 - 5.
Between today (say 20.00 to be exact) & 15 September, it's possible that the Level of response will be lowered to Level 2. Effectively, fewer restrictions, no "lockdown".
Of course, this depends on whether the "risk" posed by the pandemic is now lower than continued lockdown…
Of course, this depends on whether the "risk" posed by the pandemic is now lower than continued lockdown…
PS: If you're struggling to understand any of this, because we've been under lockdown for so long, recall that between 15 & 26 March, we were under a national state of disaster. However, regulations did not contain restrictions at a level that amounts to lockdown.
Level 1 nyana.
Level 1 nyana.
