Faizel Patel – 27/06/2021

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the country will move to an adjusted level 4 of the lockdown to stop the spread of the Coronavirus in South Africa.

Ramaphosa was addressing the nation on Sunday on the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The address by Ramaphosa follows a special National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) meeting to receive a report from the scientists on the prevalence of the Delta variant in South Africa.

The Health Department said the variant that caused, initially, a massive epidemic in India appears to be dominating the new infections recorded in the country.

Ramaphosa says based on scientific advice received from the Ministerial Advisory Committee and further consultation with provinces and metros and traditional and religious leaders, more stringent measures must be taken to stop the spread of the virus.

“On the recommendation of the NCCC, Cabinet has decided that the country should move to Adjusted Alert 4. Cabinet decided that to ensure that our response is appropriate and proportionate to the current situation, the additional restrictions we are announcing this evening will be in place for the next 14 days.”

Ramaphosa also announced that all gatherings are prohibited.

“All social, religious, political, and other gatherings of any size are prohibited. Restaurants and other eateries may only serve food for takeaway or delivery. Outside of work, you should only meet with members of your household.”

Ramaphosa says all employers must allow their staff to work from home wherever possible and should postpone all non-essential travel and workplace gatherings.

Ramaphosa says interprovincial travel will also be prohibited.

“Because of the burden of infections in #Gauteng, travel in and out of the province for leisure purposes will be prohibited. This does not include work, business or commercial travel, transit through airports or for the transport of goods. If you are currently not in your place of residence, you will be allowed to return home to or from Gauteng.”

Ramaphosa says the closure of schools and other educational institutions for the winter holidays will be brought forward.

“Schools will start closing from this Wednesday, the 30th of June, and all schools will be expected to be closed by the end of the week, on Friday. Contact classes at tertiary instutions will end by Wednesday, 30th of June, with limited access to the institutions. Residences will however remain open.

Ramaphosa also announced that the curfew will be in place from 9pm to 4am, and all non-essential establishments will need to close by 8pm.