The country last experienced level 3 lockdown in May 2020, when government regulations included a ban on alcohol consumption in bars and restaurants, but permitted faith-based gatherings and exercising in public.
Picture for illustrative purposes: Joel Saget/AFP
With President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on Monday evening that the country is moving to an adjusted level 3 lockdown as of midnight, South Africans are seeking clarity on what this entails.
The country last experienced level 3 lockdown in May 2020 when government regulations included a ban on alcohol consumption in bars and restaurants, but permitted faith-based gatherings and exercising in public.
This time around though, all gatherings have been banned for a period of 14 days in a bid to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
While the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the Minister of Cooperative Governance, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize, and Minister of Bheki Cele will host a briefing on Tuesday to unpack the restrictions and regulations, this is what is known so far:
An extended curfew will be in effect.
South Africa is at Alert #Level3: Extended #Curfew #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/ERn5WEiEfl
— Presidency | South Africa ???????? (@PresidencyZA) December 28, 2020
Alcohol sales are prohibited.
South Africa is at Alert #Level3: Restrictions on the sale and consumption of #Alcohol pic.twitter.com/uFM0vluCPB
— Presidency | South Africa ???????? (@PresidencyZA) December 28, 2020
Wearing a mask in public is mandatory.
South Africa is at Alert #Level3: Wearing a cloth mask or similar covering over the nose and mouth is mandatory when in public #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/GWwMSQ1iPE
— Presidency | South Africa ???????? (@PresidencyZA) December 28, 2020
South Africa is at Alert #Level3: Enforcement of regulations #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/9szfyMBIGu
— Presidency | South Africa ???????? (@PresidencyZA) December 28, 2020
A number of hotspots were added to the list of existing areas of concern, with the country’s economic hub included.
South Africa is at Alert #Level3: New coronavirus #hotspots declared #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/gztrqzi48q
— Presidency | South Africa ???????? (@PresidencyZA) December 28, 2020
South Africa is at Alert #Level3: Avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact with others. #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/xXEOHIlvOr
— Presidency | South Africa ???????? (@PresidencyZA) December 28, 2020
For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.
Download our app