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The President of the Republic of South Africa (hereinafter South Africa) has announced that he will impose a sentence of up to six months in prison for those who do not wear masks in public places.
On the 29th, according to Business Insider, South African President Cyril Lamafossa announced that he would upgrade the lockdown (lockdown) to the highest level of three stages due to the rapid increase in corona19 infection cases and the emergence of a mutant virus. The president announced that he would completely ban social gatherings before January 15 of next year, the curfew, the mandatory use of masks and the restricted sale of alcohol.
South Africa’s corona test positive rate has soared from 5% two weeks ago to more than 30% now. In some areas, like Cape Town, the positivity rate is close to 50% and the spread is very severe.
President Ramaposa warned: “From now on, everyone must wear masks in public places” and “Anyone who does not wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth is a criminal.” So far, the South African authorities have imposed sanctions only on the owner of the business or building if people gathered in public places do not wear masks.
However, in the future, the person who does not wear a mask will be liable. Anyone who does not wear a mask in public places can be arrested on the spot and face imprisonment and fines of up to six months.
South Africa also announced that it would ban ordinary citizens from 9pm to 6am the next day. Consequently, autonomous businesses such as restaurants that are not essential facilities must close at 8:00 p.m.
The sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages is also completely prohibited. This is because the drinking and accidents of citizens during the Christmas party place a burden on medical facilities that have already reached their limits. Alcohol cannot be sold in restaurants and bars, or even in liquor stores.
“Excessive alcohol consumption has increased the number of trauma patients. Gunshot wounds, cuts and car accidents caused by alcohol consumption place an unavoidable burden on already saturated medical facilities,” explains the reason for the ban on selling alcohol.
The revised three-stage lock rule will take effect on the 30th and an extension will be decided on January 15, 2021. During this period, citizens cannot enter the main beaches, dams, lakes, rivers, parks, tourist attractions and public swimming pools.
In South Africa, as of the 29th, there have been more than 1.10,000 confirmed cases of corona 19 so far, of which 27,000 have died.
YTN PLUS reporter Jeong Yoon-joo
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