SOUTH AFRICA TO MOVE TO LEVEL 3 FROM 1 JUNE

The alert level for the whole country will be lowered from Level 4 to Level 3 with effect from 1 June 2020. This was announced by the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa today, 24 May 2020.

“Moving to alert level 3 marks a significant shift in our approach to the pandemic. This will result in the opening up of the economy and the removal of a number of restrictions on the movement of people.” said Ramaphosa.

The City of Johannesburg is amongst the metros that have been identified as hotspots. A hotspot is defined as an area that has more than 5 infected people per every 100,000 people or where new infections are increasing at a fast pace. The list of hotspot areas will be reviewed every two weeks.

The President said that if necessary an area can be moved back to Level 4 or 5 if the spread is not contained or health facilities are being overwhelmed. It will also be possible to place areas where infections are low to Level 1 or 2.

The beginning of June will involve the return to operation of most sectors of the economy and more public servants will return to work. People will also be able to leave their homes to buy goods or obtain services.

FROM 1 JUNE 2020
-People will be allowed to exercise at anytime during the day, provided this is not done in groups. However, gyms will remain closed.
-The 8pm curfew on movement of people will be lifted.
-Alcohol may be sold for home consumption only under strict conditions, on specified days and for limited hours.
-The sale of cigarettes will remain prohibited on Level 3 due to the health risks associated with smoking.
-All gatherings will remain prohibited.
-Public Transport-commuters will be required to always wear masks and wash hands before and after traveling.
-National borders will remain closed.
-Grade 7 and Matrics will resume classes.
-All Universities will be expected to implement remote teaching and learnings.

Ramaphosa said that people above 60 years and people with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer should ideally stay at home because of their vulnerability.

Meanwhile, as of today 24 May 2020, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is South Africa is 22,583. Regrettably, 22 more COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded bringing the national death toll to 429.

As the country goes to Level 3, infections will most likely go up.