President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the country will be moving down to Level 3 of Lockdown, come 1 June 2020.
In a televised address on Sunday, 24 May 2020, the President stated that while the COVID-19 pandemic is still an ongoing battle, South Africa will be downgrading its Lockdown status from Level 4 which saw a number of strict regulations still in play; to level 3 which eases a number of regulations.
When South Africa reaches level 3, on 1 June 2020, some of the restrictions that will be eased include:
1) The lifting of the current national curfew which restricts the movement of people from 7PM – 5AM
2) Exercise will be allowed at any time of the day provided that it is not done in groups
3) The sale of liquor will be allowed with citizens allowed to purchase liquor for consumption in their homes
4) A number of industries that were previously not allowed to operate will now be able to operate – including all clothing sales as well as all household appliances sales as well as e-commerce
5) Domestic air travel will be allowed for business purposes
Important to note:
1) The sale of tobacco products will still be prohibited during Level 3 – despite it previously having been said that Level 3 will allow for the sale
2) Areas that have a high number of COVID-19 cases – known as Hotspots – will be monitored closely and could be downgraded at any stage depending on how the numbers of cases look
3) Gatherings will still be prohibited except for funerals limited to 50 people and meetings in the workplace
4) Gyms will remain closed during level 3 of Lockdown
5) Masks will still be required to be worn when out in public with social distancing still required
The President has also announced that while most people will be allowed back at work, it is encouraged for those who can work from home to do so.
Keep an eye on @PresidencyZA on Twitter for more updates on briefings and more details around #LockdownSA.
