SA moves from the ‘eye of the storm’, but the virus remains a threat – Dlamini-Zuma – the Citizen

Although infection rates have slowed since lockdown level 5, the lives of South Africans will change forever, said Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Dlamini-Zuma addressed the media on Friday afternoon to clarify the amended regulations under the Level 1 lockdown.

He warned that complacency will set back the progress made in fighting the spread of Covid-19 infections, encouraging people to “redouble” efforts and “remember the sacrifices made to get here.”

“The virus is not moving, people are,” he reiterated, adding that despite the relief from the reopening of the economy, the threat of the virus spreading due to increased foot traffic and crowds persists.

The level 1 lockdown is the last attempt to balance the lives and livelihoods of people and the economy.

The following activities remain prohibited under lock level 1:

• Night watches are not yet allowed;
• Nightclubs will be closed;
• 35 of the country’s borders remain closed;
• Introductory practices are not yet allowed;
• Visits by members of the public to correctional facilities, detention centers, holding cells, military detention centers, health facilities (except for treatment or medication), and nursing homes remain prohibited;
• Leisure cruises will not yet be allowed;
• Sporting events will not have spectators; and
• International sporting events will not be held.

These are the existing Covid-19 protocols that will be slightly modified:

• The curfew has been extended, and will now be from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.
• Alcohol will now be sold from 9am to 5pm. M. At 5 p. M. From Monday to Friday;
• Funerals can now accommodate 100 people instead of 50. However, if a venue cannot accommodate 100 people with a social distance of 1.5m, it must use half the venue’s capacity.
• Religious gatherings, weddings, and social gatherings can now accommodate a maximum of 250 people. Again, if the venue is small, only half the size of the venue can be used.
• Outdoor venues cannot hold more than 500 people. A social distance of 1.5 m must be maintained between people.
• Gyms and fitness facilities can now accommodate 50% of the venue’s capacity.
• Regional and international travel will be allowed as of October 1, from OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. African countries are open to travel from South Africa, but international travel still has a list of countries where travel will not be allowed until infection rates are controlled, but this is a temporary measure.
• Visa applications at embassies are now allowed, both short and long term.
• The 18 borders that remained open strictly for transportation purposes will remain open and will be able to accommodate travel and tourism.

Dlamini-Zuma said the relevant ministers will soon develop tight transport and education protocols.

“When you leave home, remember that you are making a life and death decision, for yourself, your loved ones and someone you do not know,” Dlamini-Zuma emphasized.

People must still wear a mask at all times.

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