Ban on booze, public gatherings as SA moves to level 4
President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved the country to adjusted level 4 of the lockdown for at least the next 14 days.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday evening amid mounting concern over the surge in Covid-19 infections.
His address comes days after the scientists announced that the highly-transmissible Delta variant is circulating in five provinces and is now the dominant strain in South Africa.
“Cabinet decided that to ensure that our response is appropriate and proportionate to the current situation, the additional restrictions we are announcing this evening will be in place for the next 14 days,” Ramaphosa said.
The new regulations will see a total ban on gatherings.
“All gatherings – whether indoors or outdoors – are prohibited. These include religious, political, cultural and social gatherings,” the president said.
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“Funerals and cremations are permitted, but attendance may not exceed 50 people and all social distancing and health protocols must be observed.
“Night vigils, after-funeral gatherings and ‘after-tears’ gatherings are not allowed. Public spaces, such as beaches and parks, will remain open. However, no gatherings will be permitted.”
A curfew will be in place from 9pm to 4am and all non-essential establishments will need to close by 8pm.
Ramaphosa has also instituted a complete ban on the sale of alcohol.
“Our Ministerial Advisory Committee has advised that the limited restrictions previously imposed were not that effective and that a prohibition will ease the pressure that is placed on hospital services by alcohol-related emergency incidents.”
Restaurants will also only be permitted to open for take-aways and delivery.
