by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has warned South Africa of the threat of the third wave of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as the country heads for religious festivities.
He gave the warning ahead of the Easter, Passover and Ramadan.
“We are now at a time where precaution is needed above all,” the president said.
“The coronavirus pandemic has not been eliminated, either in our own country or around the world. The threat of a third wave is real and ever-present.”
Ramaphosa noted many countries had eased restrictions, only for there to be resurgences, necessitating the imposition of even harsher restrictions.
“International experience has taught us that we should not tempt fate.”
The president said faced with this reality, faith communities were encouraged to innovate in the holding of congregational worship over the upcoming Easter, Passover and Ramadan as they did last year.
Then, religious gatherings were banned.
“Large gatherings, whether religious or otherwise, have the potential to spread the virus, despite the application of measures around social distancing and sanitizing,” Ramaphosa said.
South Africa has since the COVID-19 outbreak last year confirmed 52 710 deaths out of more than 1,4 million cases.
– CAJ News