President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the nation following the news of the high spread of Covid-19.
Since the first outbreak in March, the country has been able to move from a total lockdown to various levels, though, still following the preventive measures.
Read some of what he said from his speech:
- The number of new coronavirus infections is climbing at an unprecedented rate.
- More than 50,000 new cases have been reported since Christmas Eve. Infections are also alarmingly on the rise in Limpopo.
- During the month of December, 4,630 public sector health employees contracted COVID-19, bringing the total number infected since the start of the pandemic to over 41,000.
- On the recommendation of the National Coronavirus Command Council, and after consultation with provinces and metro mayors, Cabinet has decided to put the country on an adjusted Level 3 from Level 1 with immediate effect.
- We have adjusted the restrictions that will apply at level 3 based on the lessons we have learned through our response to date.
- Night clubs & businesses engaged in the sale and transportation of liquor will not be allowed to operate. The Level 3 restrictions will remain in place until 15 January 2021.
- The nationwide curfew will be extended from 9pm to 6am. Apart from permitted workers and for medical and security emergencies, nobody is allowed outside their place of residence during curfew.
- From now on it is compulsory for every person to wear a mask in a public space. A person who does not wear a cloth mask covering over the nose and mouth in a public place will be committing an offence.
- A person who does not wear a mask could be arrested and prosecuted. On conviction, they will be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both a fine and imprisonment.
- Night clubs & businesses engaged in the sale and transportation of liquor will not be allowed to operate. The Level 3 restrictions will remain in place until 15 January 2021.
- In effect, the adjusted Level 3 regulations will keep the economy open while strengthening measures to reduce transmission. With a few exceptions, businesses may continue to operate as long as all relevant health protocols and social distancing measures are adhered to.
- The sale of alcohol from retail outlets and the on-site consumption of alcohol will not be permitted.
- All indoor and outdoor gatherings will be prohibited for 14 days from the date hereof, except for funerals and other limited exceptions as detailed in the regulations, such as restaurants, museums, gyms and casinos.
Fellow South Africans,
In just four days from now, we will be ushering in a new year.
This is traditionally a time of festivity and celebrating.
Unfortunately, for us here in South Africa and for others around the world, there is little cause for celebration this year.
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) December 28, 2020
Under the adjusted level 3 regulations:
– All indoor and outdoor gatherings will be prohibited for 14 days from the date hereof, except for funerals and other limited exceptions as detailed in the regulations, such as restaurants, museums, gyms and casinos.
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) December 28, 2020
