Cooperative government and traditional affairs (Cogta) minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on Thursday announced the new regulations regarding restaurants, casinos and movie theaters.
However, there is still a lot of uncertainty about exactly what the requirements for specific sectors are.
1. You may dine out
You may dine at any restaurant, but alcohol may not be served.
Restaurants must adhere to strict health rules and requirements for this sector. However, these rules are still unpublished.
There is no limit on hours that restaurants may be open. There is also no limit to how many customers may go to restaurants at a time.
Nightclubs and shebeens remain closed.
2. You may exercise
You may exercise in groups of no more than four people between 06:00 in the morning and 18:00 in the evening.
Gyms and other infrastructure used for sports remain closed except for facilities used by professional athletes for exercise.
3. You may travel for entertainment
Travel for recreational purposes is authorized, but you still don’t seem to be allowed to cross provincial borders.
4. You can take out books, go to the museum
As long as libraries, museums and art galleries meet all the necessary health requirements, they may open their doors again.
5. Movie theaters are open, though. . .
There can only be 50 people at a movie theater at a time.
Discussions are essential.
6. You may gamble
Casinos may only use 50% of available floor space.
Clients must also sit at least 1.5 m apart. Alcohol may not be served.
7. Conferences may take place
Your work can now hold conferences. However, only 50 people may attend the conference in person. It may also be for work purposes only.
8. Theaters are open again
Theaters are allowed to host productions again. However, only 50 people may attend performances at a time. In addition, the total company offering the production – including artists – is limited to just 15 people.
9. Accommodation is open, but …
The regulations clearly state that “accommodation institutions that are not formally accredited and licensed, such as private homes for paid recreational accommodation” still remain closed. This means unaccredited guest houses and Airbnb stays may not do business.
10. Beaches, parks remain closed
South Africans still can’t go to the beach or walk in the park.
