Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa said Sunday night that the entire country will move to level 3 of the state of containment on June 1. Although all the regulations have not yet been announced, this means, among other things, freer movement and more sectors of the economy that may open up.
What are the changes to lockdown?
1. Coronavirus hotspots are created
Areas with more than 5 cases per 100,000 population are classified as coronavirus hotspots. Although this area remains at the same level as other parts of the country, more resources are allocated to prevent the spread of the virus and also to provide health care.
The focal points will be reviewed every two weeks. The current focal points include (the full list): Tshwane (Pretoria), Nelson Mandela Bay, Cape Town, Ekhuruleni, eThekweni (Durban), the Overberg, the West Coast and the Chris Hani district in the Eastern Cape.
2. Alcohol may be sold
Ramaphosa did not provide details, but said there would be strict regulations on days and times when alcohol may be sold. It’s just to drink at home – bars and shebeens stay closed.
3. Tobacco sales remain prohibited
Ramaphosa says because of the health risks of smoking, the sale of tobacco products remains illegal at Level 3.
4. Exercise any time of the day
People may now exercise at any time of the day, as long as they do not practice in groups or practice organized sports.
5. Burials may be larger
Up to 50 people may now attend a funeral. It is against the strict limit to date that only close relatives have allowed.
6. Evening clock rule falls away
The evening clock rule (from 20:00 to 05:00) is deleted.
7. Meetings are prohibited
Any gathering of many people is prohibited – including sporting events, church services, concerts, theaters, movies and any other cultural or leisure event.
8. You may collect your own fast food
Restaurants remain closed, but in future people may go for their own fast food or still have it delivered. Annuities remain prohibited.
9. Hairdressers, beauty therapists may not reopen
People who provide personal services such as hairdressers and beauty therapists may still not work.
10. All stores may reopen
All shops are allowed to do open.
