On Sunday night, 25 July 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on South Africa’s ongoing measures to manage the spread of the Covid-19, and government interventions to rebuild the economy following the recent unrest chaos in the country.
Ramaphosa announced that the country will move to lockdown adjusted Level 3 with effect from Monday, 26 July 2021 and the curfew from 10pm to 4am.
Here’s a quick round-up of Ramaphosa’s address and new regulations:
– Gatherings (religious, political, social) are allowed (maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors).
– Attendance at funerals and cremations may not exceed 50 people and all social distancing and health protocols must be observed.
– The sale of alcohol from retailers will be allowed from 10am to 6pm from Mondays to Thursdays.
– Alcohol sales for on-site consumption (bars, restaurants) will be permitted as per licence conditions up to 8pm.
– Non-essential establishments like restaurants, taverns, bars, and fitness centres may be opened. These establishments will, however, need to close by 9pm to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.
– Schools will be reopening as of Monday, 26 July 2021.
– Interprovincial travel for leisure is allowed.
– Curfew remains from 10pm until 4am.
– Night vigils and after-funeral gatherings are still not allowed.
– It remains mandatory for every person to wear a face mask that always covers their nose and mouth at all times when in public spaces.
“The owners and managers of public buildings, centres, shops, restaurants, taxis and buses all have a responsibility to ensure that people on their premises or in their vehicles wear masks,” said Ramaphosa.
With regards to the vaccination programme, the president announced that those between the ages 18-34 will be eligible to get their Covid-19 vaccines from the 1st of September 2021.
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