SA moves to lockdown level 2

South Africa is moving to lockdown level two and with that, South Africans will be able to travel between provinces, buy liquor and cigarettes, and resume social and family visits.

This was announced by the President, Cyril Ramaphosa, as he earlier tonight addressed the nation on developments in the country’s risk-adjusted strategy to manage the spread of Covid-19.

“It has been an immensely difficult five months, but tonight I address you amid signs of hope as we are making progress on a number of fronts.”

In the last three weeks, the number of Covid-19 cases have dropped to more than 12 000 per day to around 5 000 per day, and the peak might have been reached, he said. “The virus appeared to have peaked in several provinces, including the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, and possibly, KwaZulu-Natal too”.”

According to the president, the modelled projections with regard to infections, deaths and hospitalisations have also had to be adjusted downwards as the country continued to record progress.

“We are now ready to enter a new phase in response to the pandemic. We are moving the country to lockdown level 2 as from midnight on August 17,” Ramaphosa announced.

Lockdown level two regulations include:

• All restrictions on inter-provincial travel will be lifted.
• Accommodation, hospitality venues and tours will be permitted according to approved protocols to ensure social distancing.
• Restaurants, bars and taverns will be permitted to operate according to approved protocols as to times of operation and numbers of people.
• Restrictions on the sale of tobacco will be lifted.
• The suspension of the sale of alcohol will be lifted subject to certain restrictions.
• Alcohol will be permitted for on-site consumption in licensed establishments only up until 10pm.
• Liquor outlets will be allowed to sell alcohol for off-site consumption from Monday to Thursday during the hours of 9am to 5pm only.
• Restrictions on family and social visits will also be lifted, although everyone is urged to exercise extreme caution and undertake such visits only if necessary.

Some measures, he reiterated, would remain in place for the health and safety of all South Africans:

• Restrictions on international travel remain.
• No gatherings of more than 50 people, including funerals and religious gatherings.
• No spectators at sporting events.
• The curfew remains between 22:00 and 04:00.

The president reiterated that, as restrictions are eased, citizens should not become complacent, as this might lead to a resurgence in infections which should be avoided at all cost.  He once again encouraged the wearing of masks, practising social distancing and sanitising of hands.

An extension of the National State of Disaster by another month was also earlier today announced in the Government Gazette, by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

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