More people will be able to attend church over the Easter weekend, but no one will be allowed to buy dop at liquor stores.
That was the gist of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s message to the nation last night.
Although many expected Ramaphosa to implement a stricter lockdown level in anticipation of the coming long weekend, he said the country would remain on Level 1 with only a few adjustments.
There are fears of a third wave of Covid-19 following Easter due to more social interactions.
The president said off-site sale of alcohol is not allowed on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
However on-site sale of alcohol at restaurants and pubs is still allowed.
The curfew remains the same – from midnight to 4am – and public spaces like beaches, parks and dams will remain open subject to people adhering to Covid-19 safety regulations.
“With respect to other (religious) gatherings, these will also be restricted to a maximum number of 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors.
“As before, where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue may be used.”
He reminded congregants to wear masks, practice social distancing and wash hands.
He urged people in vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with comorbidities to avoid gatherings.