Level 3: Criminal offence if caught without a mask in public
From Tuesday onwards, being caught without a mask in public is a criminal offence.
That's according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who announced stricter Covid-19 regulations during another national address on Monday night.
He says given the grave danger the country faces, adjusted Level 3 regulations will make individuals legally responsible for wearing a mask in public.
"From now on, it is compulsory for every person to wear a mask in a public space. A person who does not wear a cloth mask covering over the nose and mouth in a public place will be committing an offence.
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"A person who does not wear a mask could be arrested and prosecuted. On conviction, they will be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both a fine and imprisonment."
Ramaphosa says cabinet has also decided that 22 districts be declared as Coronavirus hotspots.
These municipalities, including five districts in KZN, will be subjected to additional restrictions until there is a clear and sustained decline in infections.
He says they have added these areas after reviewing data on infections and hospitalisations.
"In KwaZulu-Natal, these are eThekwini, Umgungundlovu District, Ugu District, Harry Gwala District, King Cetshwayo District and Ilembe District."
