President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned of increased risk of transmission of the coronavirus (Covid-19) following his weekend announcement that the country will move to level 2 of the national lockdown from Monday.

In his weekly column to the nation, he reminded South Africans to manage the risk of infection and ensure that progress to contain the spread of the virus is not reversed.

He warned of complacency and said while South Africans were now permitted to visit friends and family, entertainment venues, travel for leisure and to consume alcohol in restaurants, bars and taverns, they should be vigilant.

Under level 2 of the national lockdown, masks are still mandatory in public.

He warned that many people infected with the virus did not show symptoms and could unwittingly infect others.

Ramaphosa pointed out that New Zealand had been virus-free for over 100 days but is once again under lockdown following the emergence of new cases.

“The ‘second wave’ of infections that several other countries have experienced is an ever-present possibility for us too. Although many restrictions have been lifted, it does not mean they will not return should we experience a significant rise in infections. This pandemic is a matter of life and death. We need to adapt and we need to be vigilant,” he said.

To date South Africa has recorded 587 345 confirmed cases of Covid-19 cases and 11 839 deaths and 472 377 recoveries.

South Africa has the fifth highest number of infections worldwide.

He said the figures were a wake-up call to any persons who believe the end of the pandemic is near.

However, he was hopeful in the decline of the number of South Africa’s daily cases which started off at about 12 000 a day.

This has dropped to an average of around 5 000 a day over the past week, with a recovery rate of 80%.

Ramaphosa warned South Africans to be cautious when visiting relatives, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions that render them vulnerable to infection. He also urged caution when attending religious services or cultural activities.

On the opening of the economy, he said the focus must be on recovery.

“Our economy and our society has suffered a great deal. As we return to economic activity across almost all industries – and work to repair the damage done – we have a responsibility to not let our guard down as individuals, employers, communities, families, professionals, workers and citizens,” he stressed.