Reiterating the importance of the 21-day lockdown announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday, Mabuza says they are concerned about the possibility of the virus spreading to rural, poverty-stricken communities. He said they have noted the 554 confirmed cases have been in urban areas and they are appealing to all South Africans to remain at their houses to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus. 

Mabuza's appeal comes after Ramaphosa announced that the 21-day lockdown will commence on Thursday at midnight until Thursday April 16. Ramaphosa announced that only essential personnel, such as doctors, nurses, and the police will report for duty while the rest of the country will only be allowed to leave their homes for essential needs such as seeking medical care and necessities such as food. Mabuza confirmed that Covid-19 is accelerating at a fast pace and it's only a matter of time before the pandemic reaches rural areas, hence the lockdown. He has further appealed to South Africans who might have been in contact with those infected to come forward.

OFM News