South Africans will no longer have to wear face masks outdoors, but it remains mandatory in indoor public spaces.
Addressing the country on Tuesday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the easing of several restrictions, including on the number of people attending public gatherings, where up to 50% of the venue’s capacity will be allowed on proof of vaccination.
However, where there is no provision for proof of vaccination or a COVID test, then the current upper limit will remain, of 1000 people indoors and 2000 people outdoors.
Ramaphosa said social distancing of 1 metre will apply, except at schools, and attendance at funerals was increased to 200. Night vigils and so-called 'after tears parties' are still not allowed.
"We still need to wear masks when in shops, malls, offices, factories, taxes, buses, trains, or any other indoor public space. But, we do not need to wear masks when walking on the street or in an open space, when exercising outdoors or when attending an outdoor gathering," he said.
The President said the government intends to lift the National State of Disaster as soon as public comment on the health regulations published by the Minister of health has been completed.
“These regulations, when finalised, will replace the State of Disaster regulations as the legal instrument that we use to manage the pandemic. All South Africans are invited to make comments on the draft regulations before the 16th of April,” President Ramaphosa said.
SA Rugby welcomed the easing of restrictions on attendance at public gatherings, including sporting events.
“This is a major relief for our sport,” said SA Rugby President, Mark Alexander, in welcoming the easing of restrictions on attendance at sporting venues.
“It is two years and one week today since South Africa’s rugby venues were last able to host an unrestricted audience but the revision in the existing regulations was welcomed by SA Rugby.”
“We have six Springbok test matches to look forward to across the country from July and it will be great to see the Boks running out in front of a proper crowd in South Africa for the first time since 2019,” Alexander said.
