Lockdown eased to level 2, booze and cigarettes back on sale
President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the country will move to level 2 of the lockdown from midnight on Monday.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday evening.
As expected, Ramaphosa announced the easing of restrictions due to the lower rate of Covid-19 infections over the past few weeks.
The National State of Disaster has been extended by a month to September 15.
“Guided by the advice of our health experts and medical advisory committee and after consultation with provincial and local government, Cabinet has decided to place the entire county on alert level to with effect from midnight on Monday 17 August,” Ramaphosa said.
ALSO READ: State of Disaster extended by another month
It’s been five months since the national state of disaster was first declared by President Ramaphosa back in March.
This subsequently led to the closing of most sectors of the economy, including the alcohol and tobacco industries.
However, under lockdown level 2 the sale of both tobacco products and alcohol have been unbanned.
Alcohol will be sold under strict conditions.
“Restrictions on the sale of tobacco will be lifted, the suspension on the sale of alcohol will be lifted subject to certain restrictions. Alcohol will be permitted on licensed establishments only until 8pm,” Ramaphosa said.
"Liquor outlets will be allowed to sell alcohol for offsite consumption between Monday and Thursday during 9am -5pm.”
South Africans are now also allowed visit their families and travel to different provinces.
"Interprovincial travel will be lifted, accommodation, hospitality venues and tours will be permitted according to approved protocols,” Ramaphosa said.
"Restrictions on family and social visits will be lifted although everyone is urged to exercise extreme caution and undertake visits that are absolutely necessary."
