This means that more businesses will be allowed to operate, providing a much-needed boost for the economy. Ramaphosa stressed that implementing the lockdown was essential to prevent a surge in infections and enable the government to put the measures in place to deal with the pandemic.

The president said that amendments to level 4 regulations will be announced in the coming days. South Africa is in Day 48 of the national lockdown and the country has recorded 219 Covid-19 related deaths, lower than many Western countries offering advanced public health services. On May 1, the country eased to level 4 lockdown which saw some industries being allowed to operate and the delivery of takeaway food allowed.

"We now have nearly 25 000 additional beds available for quarantine with substantial amounts of PPE," the president said. President Cyril Ramaphosa also thanked the United States for donating 1 000 ventilators to assist with South Africa's response to the coronavirus.

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