President Cyril Ramaphosa: The Nation Address Speech, 15 March 2020 [COVID-19 Pandemic]

15 March 2020, on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation amid COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier on Sunday, it was reported that there are 51 confirmed cases of coronavirus, however, an update from the Ramaphosa’s nation address speech confirmed that the number of cases has moved to 61.

As of 15 March 2020, on Sunday, as the President said, there are now 61 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Africa.  Contact between people will be limited and the government of South Africa has implemented travel bans effective immediately.

The President of South Africa has stated that gathering of more than 100 people gave been prohibited – Human Rights Day has been called, amongst other government events.

On Wednesday, 18 March 2020, Schools in South Africa will be closed amid the Coronavirus. Personal basic hygiene is strongly advised,

#CoronaVirusInSA
Visas from high risk countries will be cancelled and not issued

Of total 72 ports – 53 are land – 35 will be shut down

Discourage non essential domestic travel of all modes of transport

Gatherings of more than 100 people cancelled and prohibited@nthakoana

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) March 15, 2020

#CoronavirusInSA

Visits to correctional services suspended for 30days

Those who’ve come into contact with Wits University student who tested positive will be quarantined @nthakoana

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) March 15, 2020

The President recommends that SA citizens avoid handshakes and use the elbow greeting instead. Ramaphosa also mentioned the impact that the COVID-19, Coronavirus has on the SA economy, that there’s been a dramatic drop of activity in that area.

Here are the important facts to remember:

• The National State of Disaster has been declared by the president
• Travel ban from foreign nationals from high-risk countries 
• SA citizens advised refraining from travel to or through high-risk countries effective immediately.
• SA citizens returning from high-risk countries will have testing and self-isolation.
• All foreign nationals arrived into the country since mid-February from high-risk areas must be tested
• All spheres of government must not take non-essential travel.
• Gathering of more than 100 people prohibited
• Schools closed from 18 March until after the “Easter” weekend break.
• Visits to all correctional facilities canceled for the next 30 days.
• All businesses must ensure all measures taken to intensify hygiene control
• All shopping centres must ensure all measures taken to intensify hygiene control
• The capacity of health centers being increased nationally
• Call for all to wash hands for 20 seconds.
• Call for all to sneeze with a closed hand or into a tissue.
• Call for all to avoid close contact with those who have flu-like symptoms 
• Call for all to practice the “elbow” greeting and not shake hands.
• National command council has been established, meeting 3 times a week, chaired by the president.
• This virus will have a significant and drastic effect on our economy.
• The cabinet is finalizing a package of varying fiscal measures for business labour etc.
• We must stop spreading fake that stirs fears