Ramaphosa scolds South Africans for reckless gatherings, refusal to wear masks

The president briefed the nation on Sunday night on the implementation of additional regulations to try and curb the spread of the deadly virus.

"There are some among us who ignore the regulations that have been passed to combat the disease,” Ramaphosa said.

“They also act without any responsibility to respect and protect each other. In the midst of our national effort to fight against this virus there are a number of people who have taken to organising parties, who have drinking sprees, and some who walk around in crowded spaces without masks.”

The president also expressed his dismay with people who, in the midst of a pandemic that has so far claimed the lives of 4 079 people, see no problem in attending funerals which exceed the maximum number of 50 people.

"In some cases, some people go to funerals where more than 1 000 people are in attendance. This is how the virus is spread – through carelessness and through recklessness.

"It is concerning that many are downplaying the seriousness of the virus, despite all evidence to the contrary and what we have cautioned on numerous occasions. We now know of several tragic instances where people who have organised or attended social gatherings, including gatherings with family, have contracted the virus and have died," he added.

Ramaphosa stressed that while the disease might be caused by a virus, it is people who spread the virus through their actions.

"We are in the midst of a deadly pandemic and we must act accordingly, in line with the prevention measures we continue to communicate. We are all required to be responsible, careful and compassionate. The truth is that we are not helpless in the face of this storm," said the president.

The president pointed out that scientists are projecting that the country may have between 40,000 and 50,000 deaths before the end of this year.

However, he urged South Africans to prove the predictions wrong.

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