Stricter level 1 lockdown restrictions will be enforced as the country heads into the festive season. This is amid the second wave of rising COVID-19 infections.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the restrictions on Monday evening, as the country’s number of cases stands at a staggering 866,127, edging closer to the 900 000 marks.
“If we do not do things differently this festive season, we will greet the new year not with joy, but with sorrow. Many of our friends, relatives and co-workers will be infected, some will get severely ill and some, tragically, will die.
“Unless we do things differently, this will be the last Christmas for many, many South Africans,” warned the President.
Nationally there will be stricter enforcement of existing Level 1 restrictions throughout the country during the festive season and beyond.
According to the president, the following regulations will be implemented:
- Drivers and operators of any form of public transport must ensure that all passengers wear a mask.
- The managers or owners of buildings, places or premises – including retail stores, shopping centres, and government buildings – are obliged by law to ensure that all customers who enter their facilities or buildings wear a mask.
- An employer must ensure that all employees wear a mask while they perform their duties. This places a responsibility on all owners, managers and employers – and on all of us – to ensure that South Africans are safe whenever they are in any of these places.
- The responsible individuals who do not ensure compliance with the regulations by their passengers, customers or employees will be liable to a fine or to the imprisonment of up to six months.
- At all times, particularly in smaller venues, the total number of people in a venue may not exceed more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue.
- All gatherings must include adequate ventilation, social distancing, wearing of masks and provision of hand-sanitiser.
- All post-funeral gatherings, including ‘after-tears’ parties, are prohibited.
In light of the rapid rise in infections, the President said it is essential that the government take extraordinary measures to contain the second wave and save lives while working to protect livelihoods. The daily average of COVID-19 deaths has increased by nearly 50% over the same period from just over 100 deaths a day to just over 150 deaths.
Ramaphosa said one of the greatest challenges is huge crowds flocking to beaches. The president said in areas with the highest rate of infection beaches and public parks will be closed from 16 December to 3 January 2021. Beaches and parks that are open to the public will only be open between 9 am and 6 pm. The situation will be monitored daily by local authorities to ensure compliance with the regulations on gatherings and the prohibition of alcohol.
In instances where there are large crowds or poor compliance with safety measures, specific beaches and recreational parks will be closed.
The beaches and public parks of the Northern Cape and the Western Cape, with the exception of the Garden Route, will remain open to the public over the festive season.
Festivals, live music and live performances at beaches are prohibited.
