Her department said it decided on an extension after a cabinet meeting in which it determined the extent to which the management of the Covid-19 pandemic required the implementation of the national state of disaster.
It said government had observed from other countries that lifting all restrictions can lead to a rise in infections, and urged South Africans to continue to adhere to non-pharmaceutical safety measures such mask wearing, hand washing and observing social distancing. Under the current regulations, nearly all economic and social restrictions have been lifted and civil liberties are unrestricted.
During the Sona last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa said government planned to end the state of disaster “soon.” He urged South Africans to get vaccinated as this was the only defence available against the pandemic. “It is our intention to end the national state of disaster as soon as we have finalised other measures under the National Health Act and other legislation to contain the pandemic,” said Ramaphosa.