Level 4 Level 3 - Level 1 Confirmation: The whole country will move to Alert Level 3 on the 1st June 2020.
Photo Cred: Top Women

In a bid to stop the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, the President has moved the country to Level 3. Here’s what you need to know…

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (16 June 2021) – President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the country to Level 3 stricter lockdown regulations as the government gears to tackle the third wave of COVID-19 cases.

The President on Tuesday announced that the new measures would see the whole of South Africa move into alert level 3. In a bid to stop the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, the President has since instituted alcohol sales restrictions, tightened the curfew and slashed the number of people who are allowed at gatherings. This comes after a meeting with the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC), the President’s Coordinating Council and Cabinet.

In a televised address to the nation, the President said with the third wave of infections upon the nation, every precaution must be taken to contain the spread of infections.

“We have to contain this new wave of infections,” he warned.

The latest data show that the country finds itself in heightened crisis mode, with hospital admissions soaring and private hospitals almost full. Meanwhile, South Africa is witnessing an average of 7 500 daily infections, with Gauteng driving the resurgence, accounting for about two-thirds of new cases over the last week.

“We have to act decisively and quickly to save lives. And to do this, we need to return to the basics,” said President Ramaphosa.

Curfew

South Africa’s new curfew now starts from 10 pm to 4 am.

The President stressed that non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars and fitness centres need to be closed by 9 pm to allow employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.

Gatherings

While gatherings are still allowed, the President said they would now be limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors.

“Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue may be used,” he explained.

This includes religious services, political events and social gatherings, restaurants, bars, taverns and similar places.

Funerals

The number of mourners who can attend funerals and cremations has been slashed to 50.

The President encouraged people to observe social distancing and health protocols.

However, night vigils, after-funeral gatherings and “after-tears” gatherings are strictly forbidden.

Alcohol

The government has once again re-imposed alcohol sale limits.

According to the President, alcohol will now be allowed to be sold between Monday and Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm, while restaurants can only serve alcohol until 9 pm. This excludes public holidays.

“Alcohol sales for on-site consumption will be permitted, as per licence conditions, up to 9 pm,” he said.

Meanwhile, drinking alcohol in all public spaces, such as beaches and parks, is not permissible.

Act now

We have to act decisively and quickly to save lives. And to do this, we need to return to the basics.

“If we act too soon or impose measures that are too severe, the economy will suffer. At the same time, if we act too late, or if our response is too weak, we risk losing control of the virus,” said President Ramaphosa.

Meanwhile, the President said the government is focusing on making sure there are enough hospital beds, health workers, ventilators and oxygen to give the best possible care.

He has since called on citizens to continue to practice the basic essential precautions.

“It remains mandatory for every person to wear a face mask that always covers their nose and mouth at all times when in public spaces. It is a criminal offence not to do so,” he said.


Sources: SA News
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Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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