On the 16th of September 2020, the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the nation on developments in South Africa’s risk-adjusted response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ramaphosa announced that the country will move to Level 1. This follows consultations with provincial and local government representatives and drawing of advice from scientists and engagements with various stakeholders.
Exactly half a year has passed since a National State of Disaster was declared in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. South Arica has seen more than 15,000 citizens lose their lives and more than 650,000 confirmed cases.
Under Level 1:
Social, religious and other gatherings will be permitted under the following conditions:
-The number of people allowed in a store, cinema or other public space remains limited to 50% of it’s normal capacity.
- Gatherings may not exceed 50% of venue capacity with a maximum limit of 250 indoors and 500 outdoors.
- Masks must be worn in public places and social distancing must be maintained.
- A maximum of 100 people may gather at funerals. Night vigils are not permitted.
- Curfew time will be from midnight to 04:00am.
- The sale of alcohol at retail outlets is now permitted from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00.
- Alcohol will be permitted for on-site consumption in licensed establishments with strict adherence to the midnight curfew.
- International travel will be allowed for business and leisure from 1 October 2020. Only OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town Airports will open for international flights.
South Africa will move to Level 1 at midnight on Sunday.
The President added that “Although we have managed to control the virus through strict lockdown measures, the threat of a ‘second wave’ of infections remains. Vital precautionary measures must be maintained to prevent a spike in COVID-19 cases”.
Keep wearing a mask and maintain social distance. Also remember to always wash or sanitise your hands regularly.
