Mpumalanga has moved to lockdown level 1 with the rest of the country. The opening up of the local economy is positive for Delmas.
On 28 February, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the easing of the lockdown restrictions on movement and activity due to the decline in Covid-19 infections. By the time of going to print, Nkangala had screened more than 939 564 at community level and across the province a total of 12 625 718 locals has been screened according to the Mpumalanga Department of Health statistics.
Alert level 1 means that local church, social, political and cultural gatherings will be permitted, subject to adherence to health protocols. Botleng taverns and bottle stores are now selling alcohol under Alert level 1; this has witnessed a lot of people flocking to local community watering holes as it is now permitted. The hours of the curfew are now from 12 midnights to 04:00 making it more convenient for locals to have a good time.
Local community leaders have voiced their concerns on the easing of restrictions, “We can be sure to see a likely resurgence of Covid-19 infections towards May; a third wave is coming,” said Sanele Shabangu. a Delmas church leader. Prof Shabir Madhi, professor of vaccinology at Wits University, speaking on 1 March during a leadership dialogue under the theme “Covid-19 vaccines: challenges and opportunities”, hosted by the Wits Business School, said that the easing of regulations just before the Easter season could lead to the third wave arriving sooner than expected.
“If we allow mass gatherings towards Easter, we might see a resurgence at the beginning of May. Predictions were that we might see it about June as we head into winter,” he said. Kruger Mpumalanga and Lanseria airports are now permitted to allow international travel. Indoor gatherings may not exceed 50% of venue capacity, and may allow up to a maximum of 100 people. Outdoor gatherings may also not exceed 50% of venue capacity, but can allow up to a maximum 250 people. Night vigils or other gatherings before or after funerals are still not permitted.
Failure to wear a mask remains a criminal offence and it is still mandatory to wear a mask in public places. A Delmas taxi rank marshall, Samuel Skosana said that, “A third wave is coming and the President has moved the country to Alert level 1, something everyone is happy about, however, very dangerous since a third wave might be coming and also a holiday is around the corner. Delmas people think that coronavirus is over by the opening up of the economy but it is not, people will die in numbers if they are not cautious.”
