President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved South Africa back to Lockdown Level 3 with immediate effect from midnight on Monday. He outlined that this decision was made on the recommendation of the National Coronavirus Command Council and consultations with provinces and metro mayors. He stated that level 3 would be in place until 15 January next year.
Ramaphosa said that under the adjusted level 3 regulations all indoor and outdoor gatherings will be prohibited for 14 days from the date here of, except for funerals. Funerals may not be attended by more than 50 people with social distancing. The sale of alcohol from retail outlets and the on-site consumption of alcohol will not be permitted.
Meanwhile, every business premises must determine the maximum number of staff and customers permitted at any one time. This will be based on our social-distancing guidelines and may not exceed that limit.
The nationwide curfew will be extended from 9pm to 6am. Apart from permitted workers and for medical and security emergencies, nobody is allowed outside their place of residence during curfew hours.
Non-essential establishments including shops, restaurants, bars and all cultural venues – must close at 8pm. However, the list of these establishments will be released shortly.
Ramaphosa reiterated that from now on it is compulsory for every person to wear a mask in a public space. A person who does not wear a cloth mask covering over the nose and mouth in a public place will be committing an offence.
A person who does not wear a mask could be arrested and prosecuted. On conviction, they will be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both a fine and imprisonment.
These regulations may be reviewed within the next few weeks if we see a sustained decline in infections and hospital admissions. According to the President the adjusted Level 3 regulations will keep the economy open while strengthening measures to reduce transmission.
Ramaphosa further said that businesses may continue to operate as long as all relevant health protocols and social distancing measures are adhered to. Night clubs and businesses engaged in the sale and transportation of liquor will not be allowed to operate.
