SA moves to Level 2 lockdown, alcohol and tobacco ban lifts
South Africa will move to Level 2 of the national lockdown at midnight on Monday, 17 August, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Saturday, following meetings with the National Coronavirus Command Council and Cabinet.
Listen to the full speech below:
Ramaphosa addressed the nation on government's efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, as daily infections dropped from 12 000 cases per day to 5 000.
"The cumulative number of cases in our country remains extremely high at 583,653. However, the number of active cases is declining every day, and now stands at around 105,000.
"The virus appears to have peaked in several provinces, including the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and possibly in KwaZulu-Natal," Ramaphosa said.
READ: State of Disaster extended by another month
The ban on alcohol and tobacco sales will be lifted.
"Alcohol will be permitted for on-site consumption in licensed establishments only up until 10pm. Liquor outlets will be allowed to sell alcohol for off-site consumption from Monday to Thursday during the hours of 9am to 5pm only."
More of the country's economic sector will be allowed to reopen again.
"Accommodation, hospitality venues and tours will be permitted according to approved protocols to ensure social distancing."
Licensed restaurants will be permitted to serve alcohol, but there's a curfew in place for restaurants between 10pm and 4am.
"Restaurants, bars and taverns will be permitted to operate according to approved protocols as to times of operation and numbers of people," Ramaphosa said.
Interprovincial travel will be allowed, while he also announced that family and social visits would also be permitted.
"Restrictions on family and social visits will also be lifted, although everyone is urged to exercise extreme caution and undertake such visits only if necessary.
"Infections have been known to take place during family visits, endangering family members and sometimes leading to the deaths of some family members.
"Social distancing should be observed, masks should be continue to be worn and special care should be taken to protect the elderly and people with underlying conditions."
There will still be restrictions in place under Level 2 lockdown.
"Current restrictions on international travel will remain in place. No gatherings of more than 50 people will be permitted. Among others, this includes funerals and religious events.
"Spectators will not be permitted at sporting events. The curfew will remain in place between the hours of 10pm and 4am."
