President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved South Africa back to Lockdown level 2.
The President made the announcement on Sunday after discussions with cabinet.
Under the Level 2 restrictions:
- 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 offence not to do so.
- The hours of curfew will start at 11pm and end at 4am.
- Non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars and fitness centres will need to close by 10pm.
- All gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 100 people indoors and 250 people outdoors. Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue may be used.
- Funerals remain restricted to no more than 100 people, and, as before, night vigils, after- funeral gatherings and ‘after-tears’ gatherings are not allowed.
- This includes religious services, political events and social gatherings, as well as restaurants, bars, taverns and similar places.
“While the country is headed towards a third wave of infections, we do not yet know how severe this wave will be or for how long it will last,” the President said.
“According to the scientists that advise government, the severity of this third wave will largely be determined by the amount of contact each of us has with other people,” he says.
The President urges people to strictly observe all health protocols by wearing masks, keeping social distancing from others and ensuring proper ventilation. Where possible, cut down on all contact.
Vaccination
Two weeks ago, South Africa started phase two of its vaccination programme, targeting the balance of our health workers who had not yet been vaccinated during the first phase and all those in the country who are over 60 years of age.
More than 67 per cent of public health workers have been vaccinated. Over 3 million people registered on the Electronic Vaccine Data System.
There are four ways that you can register to receive your COVID-19 vaccine:
- By using the online registration platform available on the SA Coronavirus website
- By dialling *134*832# and registering via USSD
- By sending the word “register” via WhatsApp to 0600 123 456
- By calling the national toll-free call centre on 0800 029 999 for assistance
