Ramaphosa ends his speech saying:
“May God bless South Africa and protect its people.”
19:36
We look to you to demonstrate the solidarity and compassion that has characterised the response of the South African people to this crisis. In meeting this grave challenge, we will move ahead as one people, united in action, and determined that we will surely overcome.
At this time, more than any other, we are reminded of the words of Madiba, when he said: “It is now in your hands.”
19:35
Now is the time when we must intensify our efforts and deepen our cooperation. Now, we look once again to you, to your actions and to your sense of responsibility.
We look to you to uphold the sanctity of life and the dignity of all people.
19:34
However, I want to emphasise that the easing of some restrictions does not mean that the threat posed by the coronavirus has passed or that our fight against the disease is over.
In fact, the risk of a massive increase in infections is now greater than it has been since the start of the outbreak in our country.
19:32
No more than a third of the student population is allowed to return to campuses.
19:31
No parent is forced to return their children to school if they are concerned about their safety.
19:31
The school calendar will be revised and curriculum trimmed so that the school year can be salvaged.
19:30
Priority is the health of children, teachers says Ramaphosa.
A cautious and phased approach is being taken.
Grade 7 and 12 will return to schools.
19:29
National borders remain closed.
19:29
The increased risk of transmission remains with public transport, says Ramaphosa.
Commuters should always wear masks when travelling, keep a safe distance and wash their hands.
Businesses are looking at how to reduce congestion in public transport.
19:27
Ramaphosa applauds companies and individuals who have contributed to the Solidarity Fund.
19:26
High risk activities will remain closed, they include:
restaurants, bars and taverns, accommodation and domestic air travel, conferences, events, entertainment and sporting events, beauty and hair care.
19:25
Wholesale and retail trade will be fully open.
19:24
People who are over 60 and who are suffering from underlying diseases are encouraged to stay at home.
19:24
Every company will be required to develop a workplace plan before opening.
Workers must be screened everyday, physical distancing must be observed.
19:22
Spiritual worship will be discussed further says Ramaphosa.
19:22
Alcohol will be sold at certain times and can only be consumed at home.
Tobacco products will still not be sold.
19:21
People can now exercise at any time of the day.
19:21
Those who do not need to go to work or an educational institution should stay at home.
19:20
Safety of all workers and public servants is important says Ramaphosa.
19:19
Level 3 means that more public servants will be required to go to work.
19:19
Should the spread of infection not be contained in hotspots, levels can move back says Ramaphosa.
19:18
Tshwane, Johannesburg, Ekhuruleni, Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City and Cape Town are some of the hotspots in the country.
Ramaphosa says it is concerning the number of cases in Cape and the Western Cape.
Surveillance, infection control and management will be done in hotpsots and will be done by epidemiologists, healthworkers and other professionals which will be led by the Cuban doctors.
19:15
This will open economy and ease on the restrictions of movement.
19:15
Cabinet has determined that alert level should be lowered to Level 3 from 1 June.
19:14
Behaviour in individuals can reduce the number of infections and deaths, says Ramaphosa.
19:14
All the groups we consulted agree that SA acted swiftly and responsibility.
19:13
“We appreciate the diverse and sometimes challenging views,” of the scientists advising government, says Ramaphosa.
It is important that we consult as widely as possible he says.
19:10
One third of the cases have been recorded in the past week. This will rise faster, says Ramaphosa.
19:09
Government is supporting and funding research to find a vaccine.
19:08
The lockdown would not stop the spread, says Ramaphosa.
We must get used to living with the virus.
19:08
Lengthy turnaround times for results on coronavirus tests are because of the global demand in test kits.
19:07
27 field hospitals are being built around the country, many of them are ready to receive patients.
19:05
There are now 22 538 confirmed cases of coronavirus Ramaphosa says.
429 have died.
There are just over 11 000 active cases.
842 patients are in hospital and 128 in ICU.
19:02
He apologises for measures “imposed” on South Africans and restricting their movements.
But because of this the rate of infection has slowed down and a health system has been build in anticipation of a surge.
19:01
Ramaphosa starts his address.
