However, if it was necessary, Ramaphosa said any part of the country could return to alert Levels 4 or 5 if the spread of infection was not contained and if there was a risk of health facilities being overwhelmed.

The most effective defence against the virus is the simplest

Ramaphosa said simple hygiene practices, such as the regular washing of hands, wearing a face mask, keeping at least a 1.5 metre distance from other people, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, and cleaning surfaces regularly were the most effective defences against the coronavirus.

South Africa now has 11 000 active Covid-19 patients, and 429 deaths

The country now has 22 583 confirmed coronavirus cases, of which 11 000 are active cases, Ramaphosa said.

South Africa has repurposed 20 000 hospital beds for Covid-19, and 27 hospitals are being built

In preparation for the expected increase in infections, around 20 000 hospital beds have been, and are being, repurposed for Covid-19 cases, Ramaphosa said.

Owing to the great demand across the world, South Africa has a shortage of diagnostic medical supplies, which has contributed to lengthy turnaround times for coronavirus testing, Ramaphosa said.

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