Thread by @JacaNews

Happening now: South Africans may be in for stricter lockdown regulations when President Cyril Ramaphosa takes to the podium to address the nation in this evening’s #FamilyMeeting.

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa’s address come’s in the wake of news of a new variant identified in SA, prompting calls for tighter regulations.

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#FamilyMeeting |In anticipation for a possible booze ban, the alcohol liquor industry has raised some concerns about the loss of jobs in the sector.

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#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa begins...

"Tonight I address you on quite a weighty matter."

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: Twelves days again I warned of a new deadly wave of infections.

During that time:

-infections were doubling
-deaths were up by 50%
-hospitals were barely coping

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: The Delta variant (found in 85 countries around the world) has now been found in 5 of our provinces.

-Eastern Cape
-Free State
-KZN
-Western Cape
-Gauteng

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: The Delta variants is more transmissible, more contagious and people previously infected are not protected.

"It may not be more severe but data shows infections in children may be more common in this variant."

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: Gauteng accounts for more than 60% of cases.

With the exception of Northern Cape and Free State, all provinces are experiencing a rapid spike in infections. We are gripped with a devastating wave.

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: In several provinces, healthcare facilities are stretched and buckling under pressure.

"The existing containment measures in place are not enough to cope with infections."

#FamilyMeeting |JUST IN: Ramaphosa has moved the country to alert level 4 of the lockdown for 14 days, effective from Monday.

-All gatherings are banned (incl political, religious, cultural)
-Funeral attendance limited to 50 mourners (night vigils, after tears remain banned)

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa:

-Public spaces (beaches, parks) remain open but not for gatherings
-Alcohol banned
-Travel in and our Gauteng for leisure purposes is banned (ban excl business, transit of goods)
-visits to congregate facilities restricted

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa adds:

-Restaurants only open for takeaways and deliveries
-Schools must start closing on Wednesday
-Contact classes at Universities prohibited (Res will remain open)

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: Efforts will be ramped up in Gauteng...

-Charlotte Maxeke will open asap
-Extra healthcare workers will be provided
-Extra beds will be made available

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: We have received 2.5 million more doses of Pfizer and J&J combined - this will help to ramp up our vaccine rollout in the coming weeks.

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: Vaccine registration for 50-59yr olds should begin 1 July and vaccination will follow 15 July.

He further warns about vaccine mis- and disinformation.

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: We are concerned when political parties launch personal attacks against some of our scientists.

"Sahpra acts in the interest of public health. It must be allowed to do its job without hinderance or political influence."

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: We are all in it together.

#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa admits we ran short of vaccines but assures that they are coming in fast.

"We are doing everything to ensure they are here."

#FamilyMeeting |As he concludes, Ramaphosa assures the country:

"We will overcome this."

#FamilyMeeting concludes.