SA to remain under level 3 lockdown
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President Ramaphosa says there is still a lot that needs to be done to curb the rapid growth of second wave of infections as the number continue to be recorded in five (5) digits, lately around 17 000 new cases daily.
The rapid growth of second wave saw the President forcing the country I to alert level 3 lockdown in December which was set to end on January 15th, 2021.
But, the President however said the lockdown will be further extended following a meeting with the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).
“Most of the measures that were announced on 28 December 2020 will therefore remain in place.”
– Given the risk of widespread transmission, most indoor and outdoor gatherings will not be permitted. This includes social gatherings, religious gatherings, political events, traditional council meetings and gatherings at sports grounds.
As before, this does not include funerals and other limited exceptions as detailed in the regulations, such as restaurants, museums and gyms.
– Funerals may not be attended by more than 50 people, and there needs to be social distancing, hand sanitising and mask wearing.
– The hours of curfew will now start at 9pm and end earlier, at 5am.
– It remains compulsory for every person to wear a mask in a public space.
– The sale of alcohol from retail outlets and the on-site consumption of alcohol is still not be permitted.
Health services in several parts of the country reported that the prohibition of alcohol sales had significantly reduced the number of trauma cases seen in our hospitals over the New Year period.
It is vital that we continue to protect our health services at this crucial time.
– All beaches, dams, lakes, rivers, public parks and public swimming pools in hotspot areas will be closed to the public. As before, botanical gardens, national parks and other parks where access control measures and entry limitations are already in place may remain open to the public.
