South Africa will allow most economic sectors including mining and
manufacturing to fully resume operations from next month as the country
further eases coronavirus lockdown regulations, the government has
announced.
Africa’s most industrialised economy has been largely shut since a
nationwide lockdown began in late March. South Africa has reported
25,937 cases of the new coronavirus, with 552 deaths.
“This is the most significant reopening of the economy since the
lockdown began…It opens up all of our core productive sectors from
manufacturing to mining,” said Trade and Industry Minister, Ebrahim
Patel.
Some high-risk businesses such as hotels, lodges, hair salons and sit-down facilities at restaurants will remain closed.
The government has permitted the sales of alcohol for home consumption from June.
Limited domestic air travel has also been permitted, a government statement said, adding that further details would follow.
