LISTEN: Nelson Mandela Bay declared Covid-19 hotspot, restrictions implemented

In his address to the nation on Thursday, Ramaphosa says there are three areas of the country that account for most of these new COVID-19 infections.

Ramaphosa says that these are Nelson Mandela Bay and the Sarah Baartman District in the Eastern Cape and the Garden Route District in the Western Cape.

He’s announced that additional restrictions will be implemented be implemented in the Municipality.

“The hours of the curfew will be from 10pm and 4am. This means that – except for emergencies – no person may be outside their place of residence between those times. This does not apply to essential workers who are permitted to work during those hours. The sale of alcohol from retail outlets will only be permitted between 10am and 6pm from Monday to Thursday.” said Ramaphosa.

He says alcohol consumption in public spaces, such as beaches and parks are strictly forbidden.

“This is necessary to prevent large social gatherings. Gatherings – including religious gatherings – may not be attended by more than 100 people for indoor events and 250 for outdoor events. At all times, the total number of people in a venue may not exceed more than 50% of the capacity of the venue. All post-funeral gathering is not allowed” said Ramaphosa.”

He says the NCC has agreed that the summer initiation season in the Eastern Cape may go ahead.

“This is because traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape have submitted a risk-adjusted plan that has been approved by Departments of Health and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs." 

READ: President Cyril Ramaphosa to address nation tonight

"This plan includes strict adherence to health protocols, including screening of initiates, the provision of personal protective equipment and the provision of water for hygiene and to prevent dehydration. However, due to the high rates of infection in the metro, no initiation schools will be allowed in Nelson Mandela Bay.” said Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa has confirmed that the National State of Disaster will be extended to the 15th of January.

He says he has also instructed law enforcement officials to ensure compliance with the law to ensure social distancing and wearing of masks. 

“Taxi operators are also required to ensure that all their passengers wear masks. In addition, each one of us will be required to comply with the curfew times.” Said Ramaphosa.

He says there are now many initiatives in the world to speed up the development of a vaccine and says government will continue to collaborate with our to ensure that all countries have access to an affordable vaccine.

“We are participating in the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Global Vaccine Access Facility – known as the Covax facility – which aims to pool resources and share vaccine development risk and thus ensure equitable access to vaccines when they become available." 

"We are encouraged that the Solidarity. Fund will be making the initial contribution of R327 million towards this vaccine procurement on behalf of our country. We are also encouraged by the promising results from three trials of candidate vaccines, which have shown efficacy levels of between 70 and 95 per cent.” Said Ramaphosa.

 Listen to the full speech here: