PRETORIA, May 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The South African army has begun to build four field hospitals as the country prepares for “the devastating impact” of Covid-19.
“The army, which ordered all its staff back to work on May 1, is also planning to convert 2010 Soccer World Cup stadiums into field hospitals after being warned to expect the worst,” the Independent Online website reported.
Sources in the military are quoted as saying the plans are not unusual and are to augment existing health facilities.
While easing the total lockdown, President Cyril Ramaphosa told South Africans to prepare for the worst as infections continue to rise.
South Africa has confirmed a record high number of coronavirus cases in a single day of 1,160, bringing the total to 15,515 including 7,006 recoveries and 264 deaths.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa has been caught joking about breaking social distancing rules as he posed for a photo with two women he met while taking morning exercise.
On a clip that has been widely shared it appears that the president was going for a walk or a jog when the women approached him. It seems that they asked him for a photo and he responded: “Before we get arrested”. They can then be heard laughing.
Ramaphosa then said: “I’d rather be arrested with you.”
The two women then pose for a photo standing close on either side of the president, disregarding social distancing rules.
Some people on Twitter have lauded the president for agreeing to take a photo while other lashed at him for disregarding the coronavirus guidelines.
“Cyril Ramaphosa is breaking lockdown rules by first: *taking selfie * walking without security * no social distancing,” tweeted Real Dumelang.
“Ramaphosa spotted jogging? Good. I like a leader who is not snobbish and moves with a battalion for protection. He must even walk into the local supermarket to buy groceries for the house. Strip away presidency he is still human after all,” wrote Sure Kamhunga.
