Proper enforcement and overall policing of Covid-19 health protocols could have averted new crisis
28 December 2020
Without the safety net of a R800 billion emergency relief package, which was recklessly squandered during the first phases of the Covid-19 lockdown, South Africa is left facing an extremely difficult situation on the threshold of 2021 brought about by the failure to properly enforce and police health and safety measures.
The stricter Level 3 restrictions that President Cyril Ramaphosa announced tonight will deliver a severe blow to the economy with certain industries, such as tourism and hospitality, that will be hardest hit.
Many of the new regulations, like the specifics regarding travel within the country's borders, are still unclear and subject to the decisions of the relevant minister.
In addition, there are various other uncertainties as well, like why the lockdown level was adjusted to Level 3 and not Level 2. This has opened the door for the possible closure of certain industries and sectors of which the details are yet to be announced.