'No alcohol? Hayiii I'm done with the family meeting': SA reacts to Ramaphosa's Covid-19 address
The ban on the sale of alcohol and concern about attending funerals continue to be the main talking points on social media after President Cyril Ramaphosa's address on Monday night.
In a much-anticipated address, Ramaphosa announced that SA would remain on level 3 lockdown. He also announced some changes to restrictions including the curfew, which will now be between 9pm and 5am.
“We’re staying on level 3 but funerals are becoming death traps. If you can — don’t go to funerals,” one Twitter user shared on the platform.
The president warned that attending funerals contributed to spreading the virus.
He said: “Providing a fitting send-off for a departed loved one is deeply ingrained in all of us. There are certain rituals that we perform in line with our respective cultures and traditions; not just at the funeral itself but in the days leading up to the burial. But these are all things we simply cannot do at this time.”
Others were concerned about alcohol, which remains banned to prevent overburdening the health system with trauma cases.
KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga reported the highest average rate of infections in the past week, said Ramaphosa.
Since the start of the new year, SA has had nearly 190,000 positive cases and over 4,600 Covid-19 related deaths in the same period.
The president said over 15,000 patients are hospitalised, a third of which are receiving oxygen support.
Here's a glimpse of what social media users had to say about the address:
No alcohol? Hayiii I'm done with the family meeting#FamilyMeeting pic.twitter.com/Xr30Q0jLnc
— TSHWARELO (@_Tshwarelo04) January 11, 2021
We’re staying on Level 3 but funerals are becoming death traps.
— ❤️ (@LeratoMannya) January 11, 2021
If you can - don’t go to funerals.
So kahle kahle you just reminding us gore we still on level 3. Eyani kanti le meeting we know all these things mos ushilo before #FamilyMeeting pic.twitter.com/A8N6YVjwDh
— 🇩🇪T H A T O🇩🇪 (@skepsel_sa) January 11, 2021
I can't believe the whole country trusted Cupcake about Jan 15th And Alcohol Ban. #FamilyMeeting pic.twitter.com/tN4r9hoKVI
— Musawenkosi Hoza #K1 (@XUFFLER) January 11, 2021
The Alcohol is still banned... 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 #FamilyMeeting pic.twitter.com/kbhX7RQHUm
— Cellular® ❁ (@Cellular_ZA) January 11, 2021
“Funerals are now a death trap...” I hope our elders heard this loud and clear...😔 #FamilyMeeting
— Hulisani Ravele (@HulisaniRavele) January 11, 2021
#FamilyMeeting. This was basically a vaccine advertisement 🙄 pic.twitter.com/0vdpLWuEET
— Rendani Ramaano (@IOnaamar) January 11, 2021
#FamilyMeeting level 3 same curfew , no sale of alcohol , 50 people at funerals , no events but its the same thing moes or am i watching a repeat pic.twitter.com/0opxrLUQdm
— JabulaniMacdonald⚡ (@Jabu_Macdonald) January 11, 2021
May jobs be protected🙏🏾#FamilyMeeting pic.twitter.com/1n2Bx5cWv2
— andiswa (@AndiswaSema) January 11, 2021
I'm so worried about schools opening soon, ayyy iFilm #Level3Lockdown
— Zesuliwe Jule (@Zeh222) January 12, 2021
Level 3 lockdown continues fine,,, Mara till when MR President?????
— Sunnyboy Masango (@SunnyboyMasang1) January 12, 2021