The sustained threat of the coronavirus (Covid-19) has forced President Cyril Ramaphosa to extend the national state of disaster by another month under lockdown level 1.
Cyril Ramaphosa warns SA about second Covid-19 wave
The president addressed the nation in what’s become known as a ‘family meeting’.
Ramaphosa lamented on the worrying signs of a second wave hitting our shores as global Covid-19 cases continue to soar.
Thus far, more than 51 million people have been infected with the deadly virus worldwide. Of those, 1.2 million patients have died.
“What we are seeing brings home a difficult truth: that Covid-19 is far from over. It is very much still here. And it will remain with us for some time to come,” the president warned.
SA to cautiously ease regulations at level 1
South Africa’s predicament lies in its flailing economic standing. The pandemic, much like in many other developing countries, has blown away all hopes of a recovery in our gross domestic product (GDP).
A lot of this has to do with the millions of jobs that were lost to retrenchment and with the continued restrictions and closure of some industries, the country faces an uphill battle in restoring the momentum we saw before March.
In his address, the president asserted that South Africa, one of a few countries with a Covid-19 recovery rate above 91%, has shifted its strategy “from relief to recovery.”
“As the economy starts to recover, many of the measures in the relief package are steadily being wound down. We are trying – within our limited resources – to ensure this is a gradual transition.
“We recognise that some industries are still not able to operate fully and that it will take some time for many jobs to return,” he added.
Level 1 lockdown new rules: Here’s a breakdown
To kick-start the recovery process, Cogta minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma published the updated level 1 restriction guidelines. The gazetted document can be found here. Otherwise, we have summarised the new level 1 rules below:
Curfew
- Under level 1, persons are still not permitted to be outside between 00:01 and 04:00
Movement and travelling
- Interprovincial travel (business and leisure) is allowed
Businesses allowed to operate
- Almost all sectors have been reopened and allowed to operate with strict health protocols in place
- Night clubs are only allowed to operate until 22:00. All businesses are expected to be closed when the curfew starts.
Alcohol sales
- Alcohol sale for off-site consumption has returned to its normal trading hours.
- The sale of alcohol at licensed premises is also permitted, so long as it doesn’t continue during curfew hours.
Public transit and borders
- All modes of public transit have returned at a limit of 70% capacity. Passengers are expected to follow strict health protocols.
- Only 18 land borders have been reopened and are fully operational.
- All international travel has returned, subject to intensified Covid-19 screening
- International air travel is only permitted at OR Tambo, King Shaka, and Cape Town International Airports.
Gatherings and funerals
- Indoor venues are only permitted a maximum capacity limit of 250 persons
- Outdoor venues can host a maximum of 500 persons
- Gyms can operate at 50% capacity
- Funeral gatherings are limited to 100 attendees
The basics you should be practising
- Wear an appropriate face mask in public
- Maintain social distancing of at least 1.5m
- Wash hands regularly
- Try your best to avoid crowds
- Keep your hands sanitised