Ramaphosa announces move to level 1
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a move to lockdown level 1 after the country spent six months under strict Covid-19 restrictions.
The move will take effect from midnight on Sunday.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday evening.
As expected, Ramaphosa announced the easing of restrictions due to the lower rate of Covid-19 infections over the past few weeks.
“Now is the time to return our country, it’s people and our economy to a situation that is more normal, that more resembles the lives we were living 6 months ago” he said.
“It’s time to move to what will become what we call our new normal for as long as the coronavirus is with us.
“Following consultations with a number of stakeholders, provincial and local government, traditional leaders and drawing on the advice of scientists and engagements with various stakeholders, Cabinet decided this morning that the country should now move to alert level 1.”
Ramaphosa said almost all of the economy will be able to operate at maximum capacity.
“The move to alert level 1 removes many of the remaining restrictions activity although it may be some time before it is safe and capable for all sectors to return to full operation.
“The move to level 1 will mean a further easing of restrictions on gatherings, social, religious, political and other gatherings will now be permitted as long as the number of people does not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue or the facility but this must only be to a maximum of 250 people for indoor gatherings and 500 people for outdoor gatherings,” Ramaphosa explained.
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Tourism industry eager for borders to reopen
Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation on Wednesday amid speculation that South Africa will move down to level 1 of the lockdown. Tourism lecturer at the University of Technology Unathi Henama says the country has no choice but to allow for the resumption of international travel.
Existing restrictions on sporting events remain in place.
Ramaphosa again assured concerned South Africans that an economic recovery plan is in the pipeline.
“Following several weeks of engagement, the social partners at Nedlac have made tremendous progress on an ambitious social compact for economic recovery plan,” he said.
He added the tourism sector would also boost the bottom line with the gradual reopening of the country’s borders from October 1.
Alcohol can now be sold from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.
The various ministers that serve under the National Coronavirus Command Council are expected to provide more detail on the regulations in the coming days.
