South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the country is moving to Level 1 of the lockdown starting this Sunday.
The country has been in lockdown since March due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
As of yesterday South Africa had reported 772 new coronavirus cases in a 24-hour period, bringing the total number of infections to 651,521, according to official Health Ministry numbers.
The country has carried out almost 4 million coronavirus tests and over 583,000 people have recovered from Covid-19.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation this evening:
“Following consultations with provincial and local government representatives, and drawing on the advice of scientists and engagements with various stakeholders, Cabinet decided this morning that the country should move to alert level 1.
The move to alert level 1 will take effect from midnight on Sunday 20 September 2020.
This move recognises that levels of infection are relatively low and that there is sufficient capacity in our health system to manage the current need.
“The move to alert level 1 will mean a further easing of restrictions on gatherings,” he said.
Some of these easing of restrictions include:
– Social, religious, political and other gatherings will be permitted, as long as the number of people does not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue, up to a maximum of 250 people for indoor gatherings and 500 people for outdoor gatherings. Health protocols, such as washing or sanitising of hands, social distancing and mask-wearing, will need to be strictly observed.
– The maximum number of people who may attend a funeral is increased from 50 to 100 due to the higher risk of viral transmission at funerals. Night vigils are still not permitted.
– Venues for exercise, recreation and entertainment – such as gyms and theatres – which were limited to no more than 50 people, will now be allowed to accommodate up to 50% of their venue’s capacity as determined by available floor space, subject to social distancing and other health protocols.
– But existing restrictions on sporting events remain in place.