curfew

The government’s national curfew is being challenged in court this week. Image via Adobe Stock

BREAKING: Government LIFTS curfew ahead of New Year’s Eve

Since South Africa went into lockdown in March 2020, the curfew has consistently remained in place, regardless of lockdown level

curfew

The government’s national curfew is being challenged in court this week. Image via Adobe Stock

Finally some good news for South Africans who were hoping to usher in the New Year without limited movement: Government has announced that Cabinet gave the green light for the current lockdown curfew to be lifted with immediate effect.

In a statement released on Thursday evening, 30 December, government announced some changes to the current lockdown restrictions, which include amendments to gatherings. The lifting of the curfew means there will be no restrictions on the hours of movement of people.

“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,” government said.

The National Coronavirus Command Council had imposed a midnight to 04:00 curfew – perhaps the most contentious of the restrictions because many, including political parties in Parliament as well as health experts, had questioned the rationale behind its enforcement. Since the country first went into lockdown in March 2020, the curfew has consistently remained in place, regardless of lockdown level.

“The risk of increase in infections is still high given the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant. Government therefore calls on all organisers of these gatherings to ensure that all health protocols are observed at all times and that all attendees are encouraged to be vaccinated”

South African Government

CURFEW LIFTED – BUT NCCC MONITORING THE SITUATION

The lifting of the curfew means South Africa will likely be a hive of activity on New Year’s Eve. The changes will have a great impact on businesses looking to keep their doors open during celebrations to bring in 2022. Government says businesses, particularly those selling alcohol, can continue to do so beyond 23:00, which was the closing time stipulated along with the curfew.

The NCCC, which governs the lockdown, says it will be keeping a close eye on the amendments, before making any additional announcements.

“The NCCC will continue to closely monitor the situation and will make further adjustments as necessary, particularly if pressure on health facilities increases. The wearing of masks in public places is still mandatory, and failure to wear a mask when required remains a criminal offence. South Africans are urged to continue observing basic health protocols to prevent the transmission of the virus,” government said.