South Africa’s official alert Level 2 lockdown regulations have been announced. At a briefing on Monday, August 17, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Corporate Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma outlined the rules that apply to the country’s latest lockdown level.
Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that South Africa will officially move to lockdown Level 2 from midnight on Monday, August 17, new regulations have now been gazetted. Some of the most significant changes include a lift on the ban of alcohol and tobacco products.
Alert Level 2 will come into effect from 00.01am on August 18 according to Dlamini-Zuma, and will have the following restrictions:
– Every person must wear a mask when out in public with no exceptions. People may be denied access to public transport or spaces if they fail to wear a mask
– All residents must return to their residence between the hours of 10pm and 4am, in line with curfew
– Social gatherings or visitations at a place off residence are limited to 10 people
– Religious gatherings are limited to 50 or less people
– Funeral attendance is limited to 50 or less people
– Theatres, concerts and live performances are limited to 50 people or less
– Casinos will be restricted to number of people allowed with a limit of no more than 50% of floor space allowed to be taken up
– Wedding are limited to 50 people or less
– Events at function venues are also limited to 50 people
New regulations confirm that night clubs must still remain closed to the public.
The public may once again take to sports fields and grounds but sporting events are also limited to 50 people.
To the delight of many citizens, the latest regulations have confirmed that beaches and public parks are officially reopened. Fitness centres and gyms are also allowed to open again but will be limited to 50 visitors at once.
All bars, shebeens, taverns and similar establishments are also allowed to welcome guests again but must limit visitors to 50 people or less and must adhere to the curfew.