As the lockdown regulations eases, South Africa moves to alert level 2 at midnight this Monday, the 17th August 2020. This will, among others, allow the sale of tobacco and alcohol, inter-provincial movement and tourism activities as the economy opens up further.
“Guided by the advice of our health experts and after consultation with provincial and local government, Cabinet has decided to place the entire country on alert level 2, with effect from midnight on Monday, the 17th of August 2020,” said the State President Cyril Ramaphosa as he announce the easing of lockdown levels.
The President explained that alert Level 2 in terms of our risk adjusted strategy in dealing with the pandemic means that there is a moderate Covid-19 spread of the virus with a relatively high health system readiness.
“The move to level 2 means that we can remove nearly all of the restrictions on the resumption of economic activity across most industries.
Economic activity will be allowed with the necessary and appropriate stringent health protocols and safety precautions in place,” he said.
The following changes will take effect under level 2:
- All restrictions on inter-provincial travel will be lifted.
- Accommodation, hospitality venues and tours will be permitted according to approved protocols to ensure social distancing.
- Restaurants, bars and taverns will be permitted to operate according to approved protocols as to times of operation and numbers of people.
- Restrictions on the sale of tobacco will be lifted.
- The suspension of the sale of alcohol will be lifted subject to certain restrictions.
- Alcohol will be permitted for on-site consumption in licensed establishments only up until 10pm.
- Liquor outlets will be allowed to sell alcohol for off-site consumption from Monday to Thursday during the hours of 9am to 5pm only.
- Restrictions on family and social visits will also be lifted>
- Although everyone is urged to exercise extreme caution and undertake such visits only if necessary.
- Infections have been known to take place during family visits, endangering family members and sometimes leading to the deaths of some family members.
- Social distancing should be observed, masks should be continue to be worn and special care should be taken to protect the elderly and people with underlying conditions.
- Familiarity with each other should not allow us to forget these precautions.
The following restrictions will be still in place:
- Current restrictions on international travel will remain in place.
- No gatherings of more than 50 people will be permitted. Among others, this includes funerals and religious events.
- Spectators will not be permitted at sporting events.
- The curfew will remain in place between the hours of 10pm and 4am
