By: Kaya News reporter
The country will remain at Alert Level 4 with minor adjustments to regulations for another 14 days.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed South Africans on Sunday evening, on the country’s progress in the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the fast-spreading Delta variant, South Africa is experiencing a third wave that is more severe than the first and second waves.
For the last two weeks, the country has consistently recorded an average of nearly 20,000 daily new cases. At present, the country has over 200,000 active COVID-19 cases.
In the last two weeks over 4,200 South Africans have lost their lives to COVID-19.
Consequently, Cabinet after consultation with the provinces has decided to maintain the country at Adjusted Alert Level 4 for another 14 days.https://t.co/5djUXJq8ai
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 11, 2021
Also read: Johannesburg mayor Geoff Makhubo passes away/
While Gauteng accounts for more than half of new infections, there is an increase in infections in the Western Cape, Limpopo, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
The health system countrywide remains under pressure. By next week, daily hospital admissions across the country are likely to reach the levels observed during the peak of the first two waves.
COVID-19 related deaths in hospitals are also increasing, and have surpassed those observed at the peak of the first wave.
Consequently, Cabinet after consultation with the provinces has decided to maintain the country at Adjusted Alert Level 4 for another 14 days.
This means that from now until the 25th of July, the following measures will remain in place.
– All social, political, religious and other gatherings remain prohibited.
– A curfew remains in place from 9pm until 4am, and only those with permission to do so may leave their homes during this time.
– The sale of alcohol remains prohibited.
– Schools will remain closed until the 26th of July.
– It remains mandatory to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth whenever you are in public.
We are however making the following adjustments to the Alert Level 4 regulations:
– Restaurants and eateries will be able to operate while observing strict health protocols. Such establishments may not accommodate more than 50 people at a time or, for smaller venues, more than 50 per cent of their normal capacity.
– Certain other venues, such as gyms and fitness centres, may also open and activities such as agricultural livestock and game auctions will be allowed, subject to the conditions outlined in regulations.
Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: Time for 35 – 49 year olds to roll up their sleeves
