Cabinet has approved the extension of the National State of Disaster on Covid-19 until July 15.
Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni said in a post-Cabinet media briefing on June 10 that the extension is in terms of Section 27(5)(c) of the Disaster Management Act and would enable the country to continue with non-pharmaceutical interventions in the fight against Covid-19.
Cabinet also welcomed the progress with Covid-19 vaccinations.
The Minister said the partnership with the private sector on vaccination and the overall Covid-19 programme strengthened the nation’s efforts to ensure the vaccines reached more people.
“This progress is a remarkable milestone and encouraging to see that people are responding well to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is also fulfilling that over three-million people have already registered on the Electronic Vaccination Data System, which is a cause for celebration in our concerted fight against the spread of the virus.” said Ntshaveni.
Cabinet also welcomed the validation of the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use by the World Health Organisation, which enables the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority to expeditiously consider the application from Sinovac.
“Cabinet is reminding all South Africans to remain vigilant and adhere to the restrictions under Alert Level 2 of the national lockdown.
“The third wave is imminent and we have the power to flatten the curve. Let us take responsibility by wearing masks in public, adhering to social distancing of at least 1.5 m, always washing hands with soap and water or a 70% alcohol-based hand sanitiser and avoiding [crowded] public places and mass gatherings."