Pixabay
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a further easing of lockdown restrictions, extending liquor sales hours, and opening up international travel.
Addressing the nation on Wednesday night, President Ramaphosa said that the government was working to enable all parts of the economy to return to full operation as quickly and as safely as possible.
“We are amending the alert level 1 regulations to restore the normal trading hours for the sale of alcohol at retail outlets,” he said, a move welcomed by the Beer Association of South Africa.
Ramaphosa said South Africa was also opening up international travel to all countries subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative COVID-19 certificate.
“By using rapid tests and strict monitoring we intend to limit the spread of the infection through importation. We expect that these measures will greatly assist businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors,” he said.
The President added that the government was “focusing relentlessly on the implementation of our plan, pursuing a few priorities with the highest impact and ensuring that we deliver on these.”
“Our infrastructure programme continues to gather pace, with the strong support of the private sector and development institutions,” Ramaphosa said.
“Next week, we will be holding our third South Africa Investment Conference, which is an important indicator of the country’s continued value as an investment destination for both local and foreign investors,” he added.
“Through our actions now we can ensure that we remain on the path to recovery,” President Ramaphosa said.
