South Africa moves to alert level 4 lockdown

Estimated reading time: 6 minute(s)

Photo: GCIS

South Africa has found itself in yet another tough space having to fight off another Covid-19 wave, third one.

Speaking during a national address on Covid-19 update, President Matamela Ramaphosa said this new wave called Delta originates from India and is said to be more contagious and deadly than the first and second wave.

“We are in the grip of a devastating third wave. The first wave lasted for 15 weeks, the second wave lasted for nine weeks and we do not know how this could this last…this is a deadly disease, we must follow healthy regulations.”

In an attempt to limit more infections and social contact, the country was moved from alert level 3 national lockdown to alert 4 as of Monday, June 28, 2021.

The newly found “Delta variant” is said to have made its way to 85 countries worldwide with South Africa included.

It is found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng.

Speaking in the early Sunday evening, President Ramaphosa said that level 4 lockdown comes with more restrictions compared to level 3.

Added on the list of restrictions, alcohol sale, which made a huge topic during with lot of businesses calling for mercy and to not be banned, was indeed banned for in and outside consumption.

As it well known that schools administer controlled tests during this time, Ramaphosa said schools need to be preparing for closure starting from Wednesday and all schools should be closed by Friday.

• Any place or premises normally open to the public where religious, cultural, sporting, entertainment. recreational etc are prohibited from opening;
• Funerals are limited to 50 and vigils are not allowed;
• Curfew is from 9pm to 4am; and
• Alcohol sales both onsite and offsite consumption thereof is prohibited.
• Leisure travel in and out of Gauteng will be prohibited.

Ramaphosa also said that those outside Gauteng wishing to travel back will be allowed, and those in Gauteng wishing to leave will also be allowed.

“Restaurants are to sell food for take away only — this is because it is not possible for patrons to eat while wearing masks.”

The lockdown is set to past for the next coming 14 days.