President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in his family meeting on Sunday that the country will officially move to an adjusted lockdown level 4 for the next 14 days. Measures put in place are to allow for the most economic activity possible while containing the spread of the virus.
The decision was made in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 infections throughout the country and especially in Gauteng.
The highly infectious Delta variant has made for serious concern due to its reproduction number of 1.3, meaning every infected person infects another 1.3 persons.
Here’s a breakdown of all things adjusted level 4, as per Ramaphosa’s address.
- Ramaphosa starts by saying he is addressing us on a ‘weighty matter’.
- The situation has gotten worse. South Africa is seeing a massive resurgence of infections along with other African countries.
- The highly infectious Delta variant is overtaking the previously dominant Beta variant.
- Scientists say that those who have recovered from the Beta variant can become reinfected with the Delta variant.
- Our daily average has overtaken the peak of first wave and will soon overtake the peak of the second wave.
- The peak of this wave will be higher than the previous two. We don’t know how long it will last but could be longer than the first two.
- We’re officially in the third wave.
- Complacency comes at a high price. We must continue to practice COVID-19 safety regulations. They are there for our own safety and the safety of others.
- The existing measures in place are not enough to contain the spread of the virus.
- Based on scientific advice and world class experts, Cabinet has decided that the country will move to adjusted lockdown level 4 for the next 14 days.
- All gatherings, indoor and outdoor, are prohibited.
- Funerals are prohibited, but are limited to 50 people.
- Night vigils and ‘after tears’ are not allowed.
- Beaches, parks and other outdoor areas will remain open but no gatherings are allowed.
- Curfew is now from 9pm to 4am and all non-essential establishments will need to close at 8pm.
- The sale of alcohol – onsite and offsite – is prohibited. Booze is banned to relieve hospitals from alcohol-related emergencies.
- All travelling for leisure in and out of Gauteng (and around) is prohibited.
- Restaurants and food establishments will only be allowed to cater for take-aways and/or delivery.
- Schools to be closed early, from this coming Wednesday, June 30. All schools expected to be closed by the end of the week, Friday.
- Contact classes at tertiary institutions will end by Wednesday, June 30, with limited access to the institutions.
- Residence at tertiary institutions to remain open.
- Businesses may remain operating at full capacity as long as COVID protocols are adhered to.
- Employers must allow their staff to work from home whenever possible.
- Forging ahead with the national vaccine programme. It has picked up pace. Nearly 2.7 million South Africans have received a dose as of midnight last night.
- Received 1.2 million doses of J&J and 1.4 million of Pfizer from Covax. Increased pace of vaccination rollout is underway.
- Over 950 000 healthcare workers have been vaccinated across the country. The registration of this cohort continues.
- The second phase of the rollout plan has also gone well with the drive of the registration and vaccination of over 60-year group continuing to yield good results.
- Vaccination programme also welcoming those who walk in.
- The next group to register for vaccinations, 50-59, begins on July 1. Vaccinations will begin on July 15. 184 000 vaccines in the Basic Education Sector have already been recorded. Police and security vaccinations will begin on July 5.
- Think long and hard before pushing the send button on your device. Don’t spread misinformation.
- The vaccines in South Africa are safe and effective.
- [Off script]: Ramaphosa says he often gets phone calls from as far away as the Caribbean, from leaders searching for vaccines.
- The whole world is crying out for vaccines.
- Let us call on every bit of strength we have. Ramaphosa says we have given ourselves two weeks.
- Wear a mask, sanitise, keep your distance!
Here are the four ways citizens can register for a vaccine:
- Online registration platform available on the SA Coronavirus website.
- Dialling *134*832# and registering via USSD.
- Sending the word “register” via WhatsApp to 0600 123 456.
- Calling the national toll-free call centre on 0800 029 999
Everybody is encouraged to avoid crowded spaces, ensure there is adequate ventilation, wear a mask and sanitise hands regularly.
Read also:
COVID-19: Highly Infectious Delta variant tipping third wave scale
Picture: Twitter