Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, calls for responsible behavior after announcing that the country will remain on lockdown alert level 1.
According to scientific studies, this variant is spreading quicker than in previous waves, but the rates of hospitalisations and deaths remain relatively low.
He encourgaged South Africans to get vaccinated and follow all safety precautions to reduce the spread of the virus.
He also added that the Department will closely monitor the situation throughout the period and make recommendations to the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) in the best interest of people’s lives and livelihoods.
The following restrictions remain in place;
- Gatherings will continue to be restricted to 750 people indoors and 2000 outdoors.
- Where a venue is too small to accommodate these people, then no more than 50% of the venue capacity can be used.
- The curfew will remain in place from 00:00-04:00
- Non essential establishments must close by 23:00.
- Funerals and cremations will be permitted but with a maximum of 100 people. Night vigils are not allowed
- The sale of alcohol – for both off-site and on-site consumption – will be permitted, according to normal licence provisions. However, no alcohol may be sold during curfew hours.
- It remains mandatory for every person to wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times when in public spaces.
It is a criminal offense not to do so.
