President Cyril Ramaphosa has eased restrictions on movements of people and gatherings as he moved South Africa to Level 2 COVID-19 lockdown following a steady decline in new infections.
In a televised address to the nation on Sunday evening, Ramaphosa noted that while the third wave was not yet over, “we have seen a sustained decline in infections across the country over the last few weeks.”
“The average number of daily new infections over the last week is 29 percent lower than the preceding seven days, and 48 percent lower than the seven days before that,” Ramaphosa said.
The relaxation of restrictions, which came into effect on Monday, would see an evening curfew now running from 11pm (2100 GMT) to 4am from between 10pm and 4am previously.
Attendance at public gatherings such as weddings and funerals has now been increased to a maximum of 250 people indoors and 500 people outdoors, while non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars and fitness centres would now have to close by 10pm instead of 9pm previously. The previous maximum number of people allowed at public gatherings was 100.
The sale of alcohol from retail outlets for off-site consumption will be permitted between 10am and 6pm from Monday to Friday.
JN/APA