Curfew

The curfew has been lifted. Image via Adobe Stock.

New Year’s Eve unpacked: You can be on the beach at midnight, but…

#NoCurfewOnNewYearsEve: Everything you need to know about seeing in the new year now that the curfew has been scrapped.

Curfew

The curfew has been lifted. Image via Adobe Stock.

The Presidency announced that the curfew will be lifted for New Year’s Eve via a statement on Thursday 30 December. Here is what you need to know about the lockdown changes for New Year’s Eve celebrations and gatherings. 

THE CURFEW HAS BEEN LIFTED 

The South African government announced changes to the lockdown restrictions on Thursday 30 December. These changes include the curfew being lifted with indoor gatherings bumped up to 1000 people and 2000 people outdoors.

“Gatherings are restricted to no more than 1 000 people indoors and no more than 2 000 people outdoors. 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. All other restrictions remain in place,” said the government in a statement.

What exactly does this mean? Here’s what you can and cannot do.

ALSO READ: COVID-19: South Africa has PASSED fourth wave, says Government

NO CURFEW: CHURCHES CAN HAVE MIDNIGHT SERVICE

There is no longer a restriction on the movement of people during certain hours, so churches can now hold a midnight service to welcome in the new year.

YOU’RE ALLOWED ON THE BEACH AT MIDNIGHT – BUT NO DRINKING 

The previous lockdown restriction on curfews made it illegal to welcome in the new year on the beach but with a lifted curfew you can. However, you are not allowed to consume alcohol on the beach at that time. 

While other alcohol restrictions may have dropped it is still illegal to consume alcohol in any public place that is not licensed to sell alcohol. So, drinking on the beach will come with a fine or up to six months in jail.

GYMS, CONFERENCE CENTRES AND SPORTING EVENTS CAN HOST PEOPLE INDOORS

Gyms, conferences centres and sporting venues were previously limited to 750 people indoors but can now accommodate 1000 people indoors.  However, any venue too small to accommodate 1000 people, taking the necessary social distancing into account is limited to 50% capacity.

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