President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the easing of lockdown restrictions from 1 May as the country introduces five alert levels to guide the return to normality.
Addressing the nation on Thursday night, he said the country will move from alert level five to alert level four.
Ramaphosa said when this occurs the country’s borders will remain closed to international travel, except for the repatriation of South African nationals and foreign citizens.
“No travel will be allowed between provinces, except for the transportation of goods and exceptional circumstances such as funerals”.
He said public transport will continue to operate, with limitations on the number of passengers and stringent hygiene requirements, including that all passengers must wear a face mask. The President also made a request that all people wear masks when they go out in public.
“The public is encouraged to stay at home, other than for essential personal movement, doing essential work and work in sectors that are under a controlled opening. People can exercise under strict public health conditions,” he said.
“All gatherings, apart from funerals and for work, will remain prohibited.”
President Ramaphosa said that those who are elderly, and those with underlying conditions, must remain at home and take additional precautions to isolate themselves.
He also announced that the sale of cigarettes will be permitted but said bars and shebeens will remain closed.
“The range of goods that may be sold will be extended to incorporate certain additional categories. These will be detailed by the relevant Ministers,” Ramaphosa said.
“It is important to note that several restrictions will remain in place regardless of the level of alert for as long as the risk of transmission is present.”
The ban on conference and convention centres, entertainment venues, cinemas, theatres, and concerts will remain while sporting events and religious, cultural and social gatherings will not be allowed until it is deemed safe for them to continue.
“The coronavirus is spread by contact between people. If people do not travel, the virus does not travel,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the evidence shows that 75% of confirmed coronavirus cases are found in just six metro municipalities, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Cape Town, Buffalo City, EThekwini and Mangaung.
"Ultimately, it is our own actions, as individuals, that will determine how quickly the virus spreads.
If we all adhere to instructions and follow public health guidelines, we will keep the virus under control and will not need to reinstate the most drastic restrictions,” added.
