Faizel Patel – 15/06/2021
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the country will move to alert level three to stop the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa.
Ramaphosa’s address on Tuesday follows a meeting of the National Coronavirus Command Council, the President’s Coordinating Council and Cabinet.
The president’s latest address comes amid rising COVID-19 infection rates as the country finds itself firmly in the grip of the third wave.
Ramaphosa says throughout South Africa’s response to the pandemic, the country have sought to take measures that are appropriate and proportionate to the threat of infection.
He says the massive surge in new infections means that South Africa must once again tighten restrictions on the movement of persons and gatherings.
“In view of the rising infections, we have therefore decided to move the country to alert level 3. This will take effect later this evening once the regulations have been gazetted.”
Ramaphosa says the measures being putting in place now are appropriate to the level of risk and necessary to save lives.
“All gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue may be used. This includes religious services, political events and social gatherings, as well as restaurants, bars, taverns and similar places.”
The president says South Africans must wear masks to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“It remains mandatory for every person to wear a face mask that always covers their nose and mouth at all times when in public spaces. It is a criminal offence not to do so.”
Ramaphosa also announced that the hours of curfew will start at 10pm and end at 4am, adding that non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars and fitness centres will need to close by 9pm to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.
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