The Democratic Alliance says the government cannot extend the State of Disaster every month. The DA is now set to legally challenge the State of Disaster.
In a speech on Thursday 17 March, DA leader John Steenhuisen said: “All signs are that the government will continue to extend the State of Disaster until it has permanent legislation that can keep the lockdown in place.” He added: “The only state of disaster that the country is in, is the self-imposed one caused by ongoing restrictions which do more harm than good. It is time to focus all our energies on regaining and transcending what has been lost.”
The State of Disaster was extended to 15 April 2022 which would mean that its 25 months since the emergency legislation was first introduced.
Steenhuisen said: “I have today instructed our attorneys to bring an urgent court challenge to Tuesday’s irrational and unreasonable extension of the State of Disaster. But it’s not enough just to end the State of Disaster. The lockdown itself must end. It can’t just become permanent legislation, as the government is trying to do.”
At the same time, the National Department of Health has asked for public comment with regards to health measures to replace the State of Disaster. The government wants public input on how it proposes transitioning out of the Covid-19 regulations, giving the public 29 days in which to comment on new regulations. And, Health Minister Dr. Joe Phaahla said he believes face masks should outlive the national state of disaster on the coronavirus, and possibly stick around for a long time yet after new draft rules were published this week.
Under those rules, face masks would remain mandatory in 3 broad areas. This includes gathering in an indoor public place, using any form of public transport, and entering public premises.
According to Business Insider, companies would be required to provide face masks to employees.
