On Sunday 12 September 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation, and as his meeting with the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) predicted, the country has been moved to Level 2. This means that the lockdown restrictions have been eased, giving South Africans more freedom of movement and business owners a chance to save their companies.
With the extension of curfew and alcohol sales, president Ramaphosa took time to commend those who work in the entertainment and hospitality industry for the sacrifices they have made to keep their business afloat.
“I speak of the artists, promoters, performers and cultural workers who have had to find other outlets for their work and who have endured great difficulties.
“I speak of the owners of restaurants, bars, taverns, hotels, conference venues and others in the hospitality sector that have seen a massive decline in their business,” he said.
Things you are not allowed to do on level 2
Although the move to Level 2 comes with ease, it is important to note that there are still limitations that we need to comply with. Here is a list of things you are not allowed to do under Level 2.
- You are not allowed to be without a mask in public. This remains a criminal offense
- You are not allowed to be out of your residence after 23:00. This is unless you have a medical emergency, you are traveling from the airport to your home with a valid boarding pass as proof, you are a member of the cabinet or you have a permit.
- Funerals are not allowed to have an attendance of more than 50 people.
- Night vigils are not allowed.
- Gatherings are not allowed to have more than 250 people indoors and not more than 500 people outdoors.
- Alcohol will not be sold on weekends and restaurants are not allowed to serve alcohol after 22:00.
Ramaphosa also emphasized the importance of encouraging each other to vaccinate against COVID-19, especially for our family members that are above 60 years old. The more South Africans get vaccinated, the closer we are to returning to our normal lives, he said.
