Ramaphosa Announces that SA Moves to Adjusted Level 1 Lockdown from 1 October

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the country will move to an adjusted level 1 of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Ramaphosa was addressing the nation on Thursday night on the latest interventions by government in response to the coronavirus.

The president says the current trends in the progression of the Coronavirus pandemic mean that a number of the restrictions in place can be eased, as per the recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19.

“Following meetings of the National Coronavirus Command Council and the President’s Coordinating Council, Cabinet has decided to move South Africa from adjusted alert level 2 to adjusted alert  level1 from midnight tonight.” 

Ramaphosa also announced an increase in gatherings. 

“The maximum number of people permitted to gather indoors will increase from 250 to 750, and the maximum number of people permitted to gather outdoors will increase from 500 to 2,000. This includes religious services, political events and social gatherings, as well as restaurants, bars, taverns and similar places.” 

Ramaphosa says where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue may be used.” 

Ramaphosa also announced that the hours of the curfew will change, from 12 midnight to 4 am.

“Non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars and fitness centres will need to close by 11 pm to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.” 

Ramaphosa says If we can reach our vaccination targets by the end of this year, we can avoid further restrictions and kick our economic recovery into high gear.

 “I want to urge you all to take advantage of #VoomaVaccination Weekends.” 

Ramaphosa says If the majority of the country’s population is vaccinated, we can declare South Africa to be a safe destination and welcome tourists back over the summer season.