This may be the better of the two evils. It was always a toss between two very difficult decisions: either a ‘partial lockdown’ or a ‘complete lockdown’. It turned out to be a three-week – 21 days - lockdown.
It cannot be expected of government to make perfect decisions. What is expected is for government to act decisively; and that is what government did. After extensive deliberations, based on what they know, they took the best decision under the circumstances. We must make the best of it.
A three-week lockdown can be regarded as a balancing act between containment of the virus, protection of South Africans and measures aimed at fortifying the economy against the inevitable disruption to manufacturing, productivity, growth and employment - as per the President’s Monday message.
It’s tough - but it’s for the best. South Africa, confronted by 402 confirmed Corona virus by Monday March 23, has declared nationwide lockdown effective Thursday March 26 midnight until April 16. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa announced 21-day lockdown and outlined range of dramatic interventions, including not allowing individuals to leave their homes except under strictly controlled circumstances, such as to seek medical care, buy food, medicine and other supplies or collect a social grant.
