Cele, Mkhize & Ramaphosa on lockdown level 3: yes, it's part of discussions

It's day 47 of hard lockdown across SA, which has seen movement curtailed, restricted business activity and zero public gatherings or social visits with friends and family.

As the economy continues to bleed and coronavirus infections continue to rise, government officials have hinted that level 3 may be on the cards.

Here's when hints on level 3 have been dropped:

Bheki Cele

Police minister Bheki Cele said the committee overseeing lockdown regulations was in discussions about the easing of levels.

Though Cele refused to be drawn on when level 3 may be implemented, he said the committee was waiting on advice from experts.

Zweli Mkhize

The health minister said that lockdowns can't go on forever and that continuing a lockdown won't delay the peak of the coronavirus.

City Press quoted Mkhize as saying people would have to establish a new normal.

“We cannot continue with the country locked down forever. We need to now get people to begin to understand the change in behaviour that allows us to get back to normal economic activities.”

Cyril Ramaphosa

In his weekly newsletter the president said there was pressure to ease restrictions so that the economy could start working again. He said that countries around the world have started easing restrictions but, at the same time, have seen an increase in infections.

Ramaphosa said SA must accept that this will happen and prepare for it.

“We will be no different. We can and must expect infections to rise as more people return to work. We must accept the reality, prepare for it and adapt to it.”