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President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Wednesday that from midnight on Sunday, movements on social and economic activities will relax.
President Cyril Ramaphosa during his speech on COVID-19 measures on September 16, 2020. Image: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Wednesday night the substantial relaxation of closure regulations below Alert Level 1.
The president announced that from midnight on Sunday the movements on social and economic activities will relax.
• READ: President Ramaphosa’s full speech on reducing the blockade to alert level 1
The country has been in various stages of lockdown for nearly six months in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus that has infected more than 650,000 South Africans and claimed more than 15,000 lives.
September 16, 2020 # COVID-19 statistics in South Africa #CoronaVirusSA pic.twitter.com/wa7zk4CuVQ
– Department of Health (@HealthZA) September 16, 2020
But Ramaphosa said that with a slowdown in the infection rate and the recovery rate increasing to 89%, the country was ready to move on to the next phase.
“Now is the time to return our country, its people and our economy to a situation that is more normal, that is more like the life we lived six months ago,” he said. “It is time to move on to what will become our new normal as long as the coronavirus is with us.”
WATCH: Level 1 Lockdown Alert – Everything You Need To Know
The president has increased the number of people who are allowed to meet at the venues at one time.
“Social, religious, political and other gatherings will be allowed, provided the number of people does not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue, up to a maximum of 250 people for indoor meetings and 500 people for outdoor meetings. free, ”Ramaphosa said.
“Health protocols, such as hand washing or disinfection, social distancing and the use of masks, must be strictly observed,” he added.
While funerals would get larger and larger and the curfew was moved later, night watches were still prohibited.
“The maximum number of people who can attend a funeral increases from 50 to 100 due to the increased risk of viral transmission at funerals. The night watches are not yet allowed, ”Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa also made a slight change in alcohol sales.
“The sale of alcohol at the points of sale for domestic consumption is already allowed from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. Alcohol consumption will be allowed in the place only in authorized establishments and with strict compliance with the curfew ”, he said.
The president implored all South Africans to download the free COVID-19 app, which alerts users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks.
Adjustments were made to the Loan Guarantee System to make it easier for companies of any size to access credit at low interest rates, with delays of up to 12 months in repayments.
REOPENING OF JOINTS
Beginning October 1, the nation’s borders will be reopened and South Africans will be able to travel outside the country for business or pleasure.
Ramaphosa said the government would gradually and cautiously ease restrictions on international travel.
“Travel may be restricted to and from certain countries that have high infection rates. A list of countries will be published based on the most recent scientific data, ”Ramaphosa said.
It said travelers could only use one of the land border posts that were operational during the closure or one of the country’s three main airports, King Shaka, OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airport.
But what about the travelers upon arrival?
“Upon arrival, travelers must submit a negative COVID-19 test result that is no more than 72 hours from the time of departure. When a traveler has not tested for COVID-19 prior to departure, they will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine at their own cost, ”Ramaphosa said.
He added: “All travelers will be screened upon arrival and those with symptoms will need to remain in quarantine until a new COVID-19 test is performed. All travelers will be asked to install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app. “
The president said that in preparation for the reopening of the borders, South African missions abroad would be opened for visa applications and long-term visas would be reinstated.
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