After protracted consultations, coaxing, urging, waiting and long hearts, the President of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) Mr Cyril Ramaphosa strode to the podium on Sunday evening at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the seat of government, to talk candidly to the nation at the height of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic and the actions afoot to combat the malaise.

On Mar. 15, 2020 Ramaphosa declared a “National State of Disaster” in the wake of the climbing numbers of Covid-19 cases in SA.

In his statement to the nation, the President announced drastic steps to curb and starve off the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic. These measures are effective mostly as of Mar. 18, 2020.

Here is a rundown of the critical steps taken by government that President Ramaphosa pronounced on:

• A national state of disaster is declared in terms of the Disaster Management Act.
• Travel ban on high risk countries from 18 March 2020.
• SA Citizens to not travel to high risk countries.
• Gatherings of more than a 100 people are prohibited.
• Large events and celebrations are cancelled.
• Schools closed from Wed 18 March until Easter weekend.
• Working closely with unis, colleges etc to increase hygiene and put other appropriate responses in place. 
• Businesses are called upon to take measures to intensify hygiene control.
• Surveillance and testing systems are being strengthened at hospitals.
• Partnering with the private sector to develop a tracing, tracking and monitoring system for all those affected by coronavirus.
• Calling on everyone to take various personal measures as previously stated (hygiene, elbow greetings, etc.).
• Package to be put together as a response to the economic impact of the disease.
• Establishment of National Command Council chaired by Pres to meet 3 times a week to coordinate responses to pandemic.

The President emphasized that relevant ministers will trash out the details for each step decided on in respect of their departments tomorrow.

The moment he stepped up to the plate, there was no question in his face that the country, like any other in the world, is confronted by an unprecedented global challenge in the history of mankind.

Rallying the entire populace behind him, he whipped up the cooperation and steadfastness strings by saying:

“It is true that we are facing a grave emergency. But if we act together, if we act now, and if we act decisively, we will overcome it.”