South Africa eases some measures to fight the coronavirus

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2 min

On Saturday evening during the speech to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a relaxation of containment measures in the country. Containment deemed to be one of the strictest in the world. Alcohol and cigarettes, long banned, are again authorized. However, the borders remain closed until further notice.

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With our correspondent in Johannesburg, Noé Hochet-Bodin

"  We are facing a long storm,  " Cyril Ramaphosa began by saying, as if to better temper the hopes of South Africans. The president, encouraged by a drop in the rate of infections, announced what everyone wanted to hear: the reopening of the economy .

Clearly, industries will be able to operate at full capacity. Shops, bars, and restaurants will be able to reopen their doors provided they respect a limited number of customers and social distancing rules.

Another eagerly awaited announcement, that of the end of prohibition, a veritable soap opera in South Africa. Cigarettes and alcohol will be able to be marketed again after a withdrawal of several months imposed on South Africans.

Hope also from the tourism sector. Indeed, hotels and airlines will be able to receive and transport travelers ... but South African travelers. Because the borders remain well and truly closed. They may be until 2021, blows an official from the Ministry of Tourism.

The fear on the presidential side: the influx of the faithful during religious ceremonies, or during funerals. Which must be limited to 50 people maximum.

Government's response to curb the spread of the coronavirus #StaySafe https://t.co/S0ccICyrwH

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• South Africa
• Coronavirus