lockdown restrictions new variant b.1.1.529

President Cyril Ramaphosa. Photo: GCIS

Level 2 CONFIRMED: Ramaphosa eases SA lockdown restrictions

South Africa will FINALLY move from Level 3 lockdown restrictions to Level 2, with a host of restrictions now relaxed.

lockdown restrictions new variant b.1.1.529

President Cyril Ramaphosa. Photo: GCIS

It’s official – having spent the better part of three months languishing under Level 3 lockdown restrictions as the country battled the third wave of COVID-19 infections, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the decline in cases warrants a shift to Level 2, meaning a host of restrictions are set to be eased or done away with entirely.

With the country now bound to the relaxed regulations stipulated under Level 2 lockdown, here’s what the public can expect to change when the shift comes into effect at midnight tonight

Level 2 confirmed

During his address to the nation on Sunday evening, Ramaphosa said that the decision to move the country to Level 2 follows meetings held between members of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC), as well as cabinet. The committee resolved that the decline in daily infection rates allows for the easing of restrictions.

“When I last addressed the nation, we were heading towards the peak of the third wave of infections, headed by the Delta variant. We said then that the third wave would be more severe and last longer than the previous two waves, and that has been proven to be correct,” he said. 

“The average number of daily infections is now 29% lower than the preceding 7 days.” 

“There is now a marked decline across all provinces,” he said, adding that the Free State and the Northern Cape remain a concern, with proportionally high infection rates enduring. 

“The ministerial advisory committee has recommended an easing of restrictions on the movement of people and gatherings. Based on these discussions, Cabinet has decided that the country will move from adjusted level three to adjusted level 2,” he said. 

What changes are set to come into effect?

Level 2 lockdown brings with it far more relaxed measures aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19. The following restrictions, among others, have been amended:

  • Curfew hours now start at 23:00 and end at 4:00;
  • Non-essential establishments like restaurants and bars need to close by 22:00;
  • All gatherings will now be limited to a maximum of 250 people indoors and 500 people outdoors;
  • Alcohol sales will now be permitted between 10:00 until 18:00 from Monday to Friday.

This is a developing story.