By Kaya 959 News
President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved South Africa to an alert level 4 following an increase in COVID-19 cases.
The president held a “family meeting” on Sunday night where he announced new lockdown restrictions.
“Twelve days ago, I addressed you to warn that a new and deadly third wave of infections had begun in a number of our provinces, and was spreading.
Ramaphosa says the Delta variant, which “spread like wildfire in India”, has been detected in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Free State, and the Eastern Cape.
Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the alert level 4 restrictions.
Leisure travel to Gauteng prohibited
Ramphosa noted in his speech that “Gauteng now accounts for more than 60 percent of new cases in the country.”
The president says traveling in and out of the province for leisure will be prohibited during level 4.
“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.”
READ: COVID-19: Gauteng’s healthcare system not coping
President #Ramaphosa: #Travelling in and out of Gauteng is permitted only for work, transporting goods, funerals or to return home. Travelling between other provinces is allowed.#StaySafe #CoronaVirusSA #Level4 #14Days pic.twitter.com/aeHc45MYI0
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 27, 2021
Schools to close early
The winter school holidays will start early. Ramaphosa says schools will start closing their doors on Wednesday, June 30. All schools and educational institutions must be closed by Friday.
“Contact classes at tertiary institutions will end by Wednesday with limited access to the institutions. Residences will however remain open. ”
President #Ramaphosa: All public and private #schools will close early for the winter break. Schools will start to close from Wednesday, 30 June.#StaySafe #CoronaVirusSA #Ramaphosa #Level4 #14Days pic.twitter.com/MgzL6fvud1
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 27, 2021
Alcohol Ban
The sale of alcohol for both onsite and offsite consumption has been banned until further notice.
” Our Ministerial Advisory Committee has advised that the limited restrictions previously imposed were not that effective and that a prohibition will ease the pressure that is placed on hospital services by alcohol-related emergency incidents,” Ramaphosa said.
READ: Liquor council says alcohol ban should be guided by scientific evidence
New Curfew
South Africa also has a new curfew.
“A curfew will be in place from 9pm to 4am, and all non-essential establishments will need to close by 8pm.”
President #Ramaphosa: The new #curfew hours will be from 9pm to 4am. Apart from permitted workers, no person may be outside their place of residence during curfew.#StaySafe #CoronaVirusSA #Level4 #14Days pic.twitter.com/dMoL8jddhV
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 27, 2021
Gatherings
Ramaphosa has also made changes to public gatherings.
“All gatherings – whether indoors or outdoors – are prohibited. These include religious, political, cultural and social gatherings. Funerals and cremations are permitted, but attendance may not exceed 50 people and all social distancing and health protocols must be observed. Night vigils, after-funeral gatherings and ‘after-tears’ gatherings are not allowed.
“Public spaces, such as beaches and parks, will remain open. However, no gatherings will be permitted,” the president said.
Working from home
It’s back to working from home for many South Africans. Ramaphosa says “all employers must allow their staff to work from home wherever possible, and should postpone all non-essential travel and workplace gatherings.”
President #Ramaphosa: All employers should allow their employees to work from home unless it is necessary for them to perform work on-site.#StaySafe #CoronaVirusSA #Ramaphosa #Level4 #14Days pic.twitter.com/VoYS9zV9Kz
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 27, 2021
