South Africa Moves To Adjusted Alert Level 3.
By Phumzile Mavimbela
President Cyril Ramaphosa briefed the country on Sunday evening regarding the latest developments of the country's response to combating Covid 19. In his announcement, he said based on the recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19, and inputs from the President’s Coordinating Council, Cabinet on Sunday afternoon decided that the country should be moved from Adjusted Alert Level 4 and be placed on Adjusted Alert Level 3.
The restrictions under the adjusted alert level 3 entail that :
- The hours of curfew will stay the same, starting at 10pm and end at 4am.
- Interprovincial travel for leisure may resume.
- Non-essential establishments like restaurants, taverns, bars and fitness centres may be opened. These establishments will however need to close by 9pm to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.
- Gatherings will be allowed but will be limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue may be used.
Gatherings include religious services, political events and social gatherings.
The limits on venue capacity also apply to restaurants, gyms, fitness centres, bars, taverns and similar places.
- Attendance at funerals and cremations may not exceed 50 people and all social distancing and health protocols must be observed.
Night vigils and after-funeral gatherings are still not allowed. - The sale of alcohol from retail outlets for off-site consumption will be permitted between 10am and 6pm from Monday to Thursday.
Alcohol sales for on-site consumption will be permitted as per licence conditions up to 8pm. - Schools will re-open tomorrow, Monday the 26th of July, according to strict health protocols and other measures announced by the Minister of Basic Education.
Addressing the recent violent protests in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng, Ramaphosa said that there will be further arrests, particularly of those who conceptualised, planned and executed these actions that have led to so much destruction and loss of life.
"Investigations into the violence and those behind it are continuing, led by our specialised law enforcement units, with a view to speedy arrests and effective prosecutions. Special measures have been put in place to manage the large number of suspects who have been arrested for offences related to the unrest."
The president said that insured businesses affected by the looting and violence would be supported by government while relief for those without insurance would be announced soon.
"Businesses that are insured will be covered by Sasria. Sasria has committed to expedite the payment of all valid claims, and is working together with private insurers to ensure that assessments are completed without delay."
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