International travel, on-site alcohol consumption permitted under Level 1

International travel, the on-site consumption of alcohol and an increased venue capacity are among the revised regulations that will take effect when the country moves to lockdown Alert Level 1 from midnight on 20 September.

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma outlined the regulations on 18 September.

While most activities will be allowed to resume, the minister continued to encourage all South African to remain mindful and maintain all health and safety protocols. “We will rely on every single one of you to overcome this pandemic, the numbers have improved but we are not out the woods yet,” said Dlamini-Zuma.

Regulations that remain unchanged are the mandatory wearing of masks and social distancing practices.

Under Level 1, the following regulations will be revised as follows:

Movement of people

• The curfew has been extended and is now from midnight to 4am.

Gatherings

• A maximum of 100 people will be permitted to attend funerals.
• A maximum of 250 people will be permitted to attend indoor events and 500 people in the case of outdoor events, this includes religious gatherings.
• The permitted number of people at gyms and other economic activities will remain at 50 or 50 per cent of the venue’s capacity. 
• A distance of 1.5 metres must be maintained at all venues, gatherings and events.
• Where venues, gatherings and events are unable to accommodate the permitted number of people and simultaneously maintain the social distancing practices, the venue can only accommodate for half of its capacity.

Travel

• The regulations under domestic travel will remain unchanged.
• International travel into and out of the country for business, leisure and other travel will be permitted from 1 October through O. R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport only.
• Temporary restrictions will, however, be placed on countries with a high infection rate.

Sale of alcohol

• The sale of liquor will be extended to include Fridays.
• On-site consumption will be permitted at licensed establishments only with strict adherence to the curfew.

Night clubs, night vigils, spectator attendance and passenger ship transport (cruise ships) remain prohibited.

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