GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved the country to Alert Level 3 of the national lockdown, declaring “that the third wave is upon us.”
Addressing the nation on Tuesday night, Ramaphosa said four provinces, including Gauteng and Free State, were already in the third wave, while the rest of the country was heading towards the third wave.
“We have to move decisively to save lives,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the hours of the curfew will start at 10 PM and end at 4 am.
“Non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars, and fitness centres will need to close by 9 pm to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.”
He said the sale of alcohol from retail outlets for off-site consumption will only be permitted between 10 am and 6 pm from Monday to Thursday.
“Alcohol consumption in all public spaces, such as beaches and parks, is strictly prohibited,” he said.
Night vigils and after-funeral gatherings are prohibited while all gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
The wearing of masks in public places is mandatory.
“Throughout our response to the pandemic, we have sought to take measures that are appropriate and proportionate to the threat of infection. If we act too soon or impose measures that are too severe, the economy will suffer,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the massive surge in new infections means “that we must once again tighten restrictions on the movement of persons and gatherings” while firmer action needs to be taken against those who do not adhere to the regulation.
