South Africa’s lockdown has been eased to Level 1, but mense must remain cautious to prevent a second wave of Covid-19 infections.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the country’s risk-adjusted strategy last night, saying: “We have withstood the Coronavirus storm. Now is the time to move the country, and our people to what will become the new normal.”
The president announced the lifting of a number of restrictions urging South Africans to work hard towards restoring the ailing economy.
Among the changes taking place from Monday, 21 September are:
- Up to 100 people will now be allowed to attend funerals, but no night vigils.
- Alcohol sales will be permitted from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
- In a boon for the restaurant and entertainment industries, the curfew will also be changed to between midnight and 4am daily.
- Large gatherings including concerts and religious gatherings such as mosques and churches will be capped at 50% of capacity of the venue.
- However, indoor gatherings can only accommodate up to 200 people at a time, while outdoor events would be capped at 500.
- Gyms and theatres would also be allowed up to 50% of their venue capacity.
Ramaphosa said social distancing, hand sanitising and the wearing of masks will have to be strictly observed.
The president also announced the gradual reopening of the country’s borders, while a list of restricted "high risk" countries will be made available.
“We will be allowing travel into and out of South Africa for business, leisure and other travel with effect from 1 October,” Ramaphosa said.
However, travellers will have to provide a certificate that they have tested negative for Covid-19.
The tourism industry has also been reopened.
Due to the lower number of infections and hospitalisations, there is now sufficient testing capacity and all hospital patients and those who have been in close contact with Covid-19 positive patients will be tested.
Ramaphosa also said that the UIF TERS benefit to assist workers has been extended to 15 October when the current state of disaster will end.
Since April, more than 15 640 people have died in Covid-19 related deaths in South Africa, while over 650 000 people have contracted the virus.
IOL