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President Cyril Ramaphosa returned the country to an “adjusted” level three lockdown, placing a ban on retail booze sales and announcing 22 new hotspot areas.
The drastic measures were announced on Monday night following a cabinet meeting and after the country passed the 1 million mark in cumulative Covid19 infections.
Government is also concerned about the added pressure that alcohol-related crime and accidents place on the over-burdened health facilities.
“The number of new coronavirus infections is climbing at an unprecedented rate. More than 50 000 new cases have been reported since Christmas Eve,” the President said.
He paid tribute to the health workers on the frontline in the fight against the pandemic, saying many of them have been infected and also at breaking point.
In terms of the strengthened regulations, the sale of alcohol from retail outlets and the on-site consumption of alcohol will not be permitted.
“The prohibition on consuming alcohol in public spaces like parks and beaches remains. Distribution and transportation will be prohibited with exceptions that will be explained by the minister,” Ramaphosa said.
He said these regulations may be reviewed within the next few weeks if we see a sustained decline in infections and hospital admissions.
President Ramaphosa also announced that 22 districts have been declared coronavirus hotspots.
In the Eastern Cape, these are Chris Hani District, Buffalo City, Amathole District, Alfred Nzo District, and the OR Tambo District in addition to Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and the Sarah Baartman District.
The President appealed to people living in hotspot districts to minimise their travel within the district to essential travel so as to reduce contact with other people and where possible, avoid traveling to hotspot districts.
Under the adjusted level 3 regulations:
-All indoor and outdoor gatherings will be prohibited for 14 days from the date hereof, except for funerals and other limited exceptions as detailed in the regulations, such as restaurants, museums, gyms, and casinos.
- Funerals may not be attended by more than 50 people with social distancing.
- Every business premises must determine the maximum number of staff and customers permitted at any one time based on our social-distancing guidelines and may not exceed that limit.
- The nationwide curfew will be extended from 9 pm to 6 am. Apart from permitted workers and for medical and security emergencies, nobody is allowed outside their place of residence during the curfew.
- Non-essential establishments – including shops, restaurants, bars, and all cultural venues must close at 8 pm.
The list of these establishments will be released shortly.
Ramaphosa said as the infections continue to rise Cabinet on the advice of the National Coronavirus Command Council has decided that all beaches, dams, lakes, rivers, public parks, and public swimming pools in hotspot areas will be closed to the public with effect from tomorrow.
“National and provincial parks and other parks where access control measures and entry limitations are already in place may remain open to the public.”
President Ramaphosa said the country would only weather this storm if everyone immediately and fundamentally changed their mindsets.
“Compliance with the health regulations should not be simply about fearing the wrath of the law. It should not be about reluctant observance or peer pressure. This is about common sense,” he said.
