Reports at the weekend suggested that the lockdown could be Professor of Economics at Stellenbosch University, Ronelle Burger, believes we will be restricted to our homes until July.

She said, “Because we have started early with lockdown, we must understand that this fight could continue until at least July. Given that the winter months still lie ahead of us. It is likely that schools and universities will not reopen until July and we will need to find ways to cope. It’s been a very tough time, especially for poor households”

South African think tank, The Paternoster Group released said that the outlook isn’t too optimistic. The group believes that an extended shutdown will follow.

According to The Paternoster Group, “While many South Africans may be crossing off the days until ………. April 17, in truth this is the least likely option. The disease isn’t going anywhere for a while.”

It added, “Three weeks is just not enough time to flatten the curve.”

A report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), said new infections in South Africa will only peak ‘at the beginning of June’. The group suggested that restrictions, due to this, will only be lifted anywhere between the end of June and the end of August.”

Meanwhile, economist Mike Schussler is hoping that lockdown laws will be eased, rather than tightened. He warns the harm that could be done to business during an extended lockdown could be greater than the effects of the coronavirus itself.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce a decision in a few days as to whether the lockdown is to be extended or not.

Umm Muhammed Umar