President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation tonight, May 30, announcing that stricter lockdown regulations will be implemented. South Africa has officially moved back to an adjusted lockdown level 2. These changes come into effect from midnight tonight.
This recommendation was based on the sustained increase in new COVID-19 cases over the last 14 days, increased hospital admissions in almost all provinces, and an increase in the proportion of COVID-19 tests that are positive.
The proportion of COVID-19 tests that are positive have more than doubled in the last month from around four per cent to more than eleven per cent.
The number of active infections has begun to rise sharply in several parts of the country. Over the last seven days, there has been an average of 3 745 daily new infections.
Here’s a breakdown of what is and is not permitted from Monday, 31 May.
- Curfew: 11pm to 4am.
- Religious services, political events and social gatherings, as well as restaurants, bars, taverns, and gyms and fitness centres to close at 10pm.
- All gatherings are limited to 100 people indoors and 250 people outdoors.
- It remains compulsory to wear a face mask covering your nose and mouth at all times in public. It is a criminal offence not to do so.
- Funerals remain limited to 100 people.
- There is a two hour limit on funeral services.
- Night vigils and “after tears” gatherings are not allowed.
- Liquor sales remain unaffected.
Ramaphosa has emphasised that limiting contact as much as possible is essential when considering the severity of the impact of the third wave. He says that gatherings are the greatest source of infection. “The virus does not move from place to place by itself. It relies on people.”
Meanwhile, the country has implemented the largest vaccination rollout plan in the country’s history. The “mass vaccination campaign” is a joint effort with all partners, said the President.
There are now more than 400 vaccination sites across the country in private and public sectors. Nearly 480 000 healthcare workers, and over 480 000 members of the public over 60-years of age, have been vaccinated.
During Phase 2, all people above the age of 60 are eligible to be vaccinated.
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
Read also:
Picture: Twitter