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So, here we are again.
South Africa has tasted alert level 1 before, and last time things didn’t end particularly well, with a second wave plunging the country into harder lockdowns once more.
This time, President Ramaphosa, who announced the news during an 8PM address last night, will be hoping South Africans can show better restraint, and that our vaccine rollout can provide adequate protection for our healthcare workers.
Fun fact – this coming Friday will mark exactly one year since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in South Africa.
Via The Daily Maverick, here’s a quote from Ramaphosa on why we’re dropping down alert levels:
The country has now clearly emerged from the second wave. New infections, admissions to hospital and deaths have fallen significantly and continue to decline steadily.
In the week that has just passed, the country recorded just under 10,000 new infections.
A month ago, in the last week of January, the country recorded over 40,000 new cases…
Based on an assessment of the current state of the pandemic in the country, Cabinet decided earlier today to move the country from Coronavirus Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 1.
This past year has felt like a lifetime, so there’s a good chance you’ll require a jogging of the memory when it comes to what alert level 1 entails.
Via the @GovernmentZA account, here are some of the changes:
Alcohol under alert #level1 pic.twitter.com/RdfhSrcfxb
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 28, 2021
Wearing of your mask is still important under alert #level1 pic.twitter.com/ZbjdmZ7cHV
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 28, 2021
Gathering under alert #level1 pic.twitter.com/acy5rmShVF
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 28, 2021
The new alert level will come into effect later this evening once the regulations have been gazetted.
This will mean that:
The hours of the #curfew will now be from 12 midnight to 4am. pic.twitter.com/ZHNpWJhyF1
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 28, 2021
For those most interested in the alcohol sales aspect, this means all restrictions on the sale of alcohol are lifted, except for the sale of alcohol during curfew hours, which are midnight through to 4AM.
Here’s the list of changes, clearly laid out by BusinessTech:
- The evening curfew will remain in place, but will now run from 00h00 to 04h00;
- The sale of alcohol is permitted in line with normal licence conditions, but may not be sold during hours of curfew;
- Gatherings will be permitted subject to limitations on size and health protocols – this includes religious, social, political and cultural gatherings;
- The maximum number of people at any gathering is 100 for indoor and 250 for outdoor – subject to floor space.
- Night vigils before and after funerals are still not permitted;
- Nightclubs remain closed;
- The wearing of masks in public places is still compulsory – failing to do so is a criminal offence;
- Some land border posts remain closed and five international airports will be open.
The five airports open are Cape Town International Airport, OR Tambo International Airport, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and Lanseria Airport.
Once again, President Ramaphosa did stress the dangers of a third wave, which is a fear shared by many experts, so let’s bear that in mind.
You can read Ramaphosa’s address in full here.
