There is no way to say whether South Africa’s 21-day lockdown will be sufficient in stopping the spread of the coronavirus, and government will review its effectiveness close to the end of the period, says Health minister Zweli Mkhize.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday (31 March), Mkhize said that irrespective of when the lockdown is lifted, it won’t be back to ‘life as normal’ for South Africa.<\/p>\n
“Whatever happens after the 21-days we must know that our behaviour must change completely,” he said.<\/p>\n
“If we can stick to the guidelines that have been given then we can make an impact on the number of infections.\u00a0 It will not be the same as the other countries, but if we take the lessons from other countries we can make a difference. ”<\/p>\n
Mkhize also warned that the country will likely see an increase in other viral infections -such as influenza –\u00a0 as the country moves towards the winter months.\u00a0 This means it is important for the country to get on top of the coronavirus now, he said.<\/p>\n
“Right now we have three weeks.\u00a0 It\u2019s the three weeks we need to deal with the rate of infection. Obviously we will not have life as normal after the 31 days. There needs to be an adjustment.”<\/p>\n
\nLife wont be back to normal after the lockdown. Lockdown worked in China and they are now no 4 raging ahead with prevention . South Korea also dropped to no 13 in the world.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) March 31, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n