Booze ban back as Ramaphosa returns South Africa to level 3
President Cyril Ramaphosa has returned South Africa to level 3 of the lockdown after some three months under level 1.
The decision takes effect at midnight on Tuesday.
Ramaphosa addressed the country on Monday evening amid the runaway Covid-19 infections across the country.
South Africa surpassed the 1 million mark in cumulative cases on Sunday evening.
High-level discussions with the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and Cabinet concluded on stricter regulations in a bid to arrest the surge.
“Several of the level 3 regulations are being strengthened to further limit the potential for transmission, while doing everything possible to keep the economy open,” Ramaphosa told the nation from Cape Town.
Under the adjusted level 3, public gatherings will be banned for 14 days except for funerals, access to restaurants, museums, gyms and casinos.
Funerals will be restricted to 50 attendees.
The nationwide curfew will be extended from 9pm to 6am.
“Non-essential establishments – including shops, restaurants, bars and all cultural venues – must close at 8pm. The list of these establishments will be released shortly,” he added.
#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa announces a new curfew between 9pm and 6am and a mask mandate. Those flouting this regulation can be arrested and prosecuted, and will be liable to a fine or imprisonment of a period not exceeding 6 months. pic.twitter.com/N6IeoGkoAT
— Nokukhanya Mntambo (@khanya_mntambo) December 28, 2020
Since the start of the lockdown in March, Ramaphosa has had to balance the act of saving lives and saving livelihoods.
He admitted that in addition to the devastating loss of lives, the country’s economy is also still suffocating from tapered economic activity.
He added alcohol would be the sacrificial lamb.
“In these same social gatherings, the consumption of alcohol in restaurants, in nightclubs and taverns has contributed to risky behaviour like not wearing masks and not observing social distancing.
“Excessive alcohol consumption is also driving up the number of trauma cases in our hospitals.
“Therefore, under the strengthened regulations the sale of alcohol from retail outlets and the on-site consumption of alcohol will not be permitted, the prohibition on consuming alcohol in public spaces like parks and beaches remains, distribution and transportation will be prohibited with exceptions that will be explained by the minister.
“Distribution and transportation will be prohibited with exceptions that will be explained by the minister,” he added.
Level 3 restrictions will remain in place until at least 15 January.
“These regulations may be reviewed within the next few weeks if we see a sustained decline in infections and hospital admissions,” Ramaphosa said.
“In effect, the adjusted level 3 regulations will keep the economy open while strengthening measures to reduce transmission.”
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