Ramaphosa relaxes raft of Covid-19 regulations
We don't have to wear our masks outdoors anymore. The government's scrapped the rule, saying we're only required to cover our mouths and noses in public indoor spaces:
This means that we still need to wear masks when in shops, malls, offices, factories, taxies, buses, trains or any other indoor public space.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation last night on our response to coronavirus and announced a number of changes to adjusted level 1 of the lockdown.
"After four waves of infection, fewer people are becoming severely ill and requiring hospitalisation," he said.
"There are far fewer deaths than before. Our scientists tell us that this is mainly because some 60 to 80% of the population has some form of immunity to the virus, either from previous infection or vaccination."
He says the move to ease several restrictions is based on consultations and recommendations by the National Coronavirus Command Council and cabinet.
"The rules for indoor and outdoor public social gatherings have been adjusted - bringing more relief to the sports, entertainment, and event industries.
"Both indoor and outdoor venues can now take up to 50 percent of their capacity provided that the criteria for entrance are proof of vaccination or a Covid test not older than 72 hours."
A maximum of 1000 people are allowed at events held indoors - the figure's 2000 for outdoor events.
READ: No outdoor masks, more allowed at stadiums as Covid regulations relaxed
This change to the restrictions on gatherings will be of great benefit to the sporting, cultural, entertainment and events industries in particular," Ramaphosa added.
"This means that if we are vaccinated or have recently tested negative, we will be able to return to watching sports in stadiums and attending music concerts, theatre performances, conferences and other events."
