In a dramatic and almost unprecedented appeal to the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa – in his address to the nation on Monday evening (December 28) – announced harsh new measures to halt the Covid-19 surge from overwhelming health services. A reinvigorated countrywide level 3 lockdown is now in effect.
More than 50,000 new cases have been reported since Christmas Eve.
In his speech, the president highlighted that, across the world, countries are having to take drastic measures to curb the new wave of infections.
We will all have heard that there is a new variant of Covid-19 that is now well-established in our country.
As our scientists study this variant – called 501.V2 – and its spread, it appears that it may be more contagious than the virus that drove the first wave of infections.
He also made sure everyone now understands that not wearing a mask is a criminal offence!
Up until now – ‘the owners and managers of shops and public buildings, employers and operators of public transport have had a legal responsibility to ensure that everyone entering their premises or vehicle is wearing a mask. But given the grave danger our country now faces, the adjusted level 3 regulations will make every individual legally responsible for wearing a mask in public.
‘From now on, it is compulsory for every person to wear a mask in a public space. A person who does not wear a cloth mask, covering the nose and mouth in a public place, will be committing an offence. A person who does not wear a mask could be arrested and prosecuted. On conviction, they will be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or to both a fine and imprisonment.’
“This is a drastic measure, but is now necessary to ensure compliance with the most basic of preventative measures,” the president informed South Africa.
He also announced that the sale of alcohol from retail outlets and the on-site consumption of alcohol is now banned, adding that consuming alcohol in public spaces like parks and beaches remains banned. Also, the distribution and transportation of liquor is prohibited, with exceptions that will be announced by the minister on Tuesday (December 29).
All in all, the biggest take-away from the announcement was not the banning of alcohol sales but the importance of masks. Masks only protect others and do not protect the person wearing the mask. The only way we are all protected is if everyone wears a mask!
Read the full speech HERE
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