Social gatherings Level 4 lockdown ramaphosa

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Level 1 limits on social gatherings explained by NCCC

NDZ has explained in more details the new laws that pertain to public and social gatherings during Level 1 lockdown.

Social gatherings Level 4 lockdown ramaphosa

Image via: Adobe Stock

New rules related to public and social gatherings during Level 1 of the nationwide lockdown have been outlined in detail by Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma during a briefing by the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) on Friday, with limits extended to allow more people to come together. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the shift to Level 1 on Wednesday evening, and said that gatherings are allowed as long as the number of people does not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue or facility. He said that there must be a maximum of 250 people for indoor events and 500 people for outdoor gatherings.

Social gatherings under Level 1 explained

Dlamini-Zuma explained the laws relating to funerals, weddings, faith gatherings and social events, as well as those that pertain to health facilities such as gyms. 

“The maximum amount of people that can attend funerals has also been increased from 50 to 100 people, however a meter and a half social distance must be maintained between each person at the venue,” she said. 

Additionally, if the funeral venue cannot accommodate more than 100, then the 50% capacity rule applies. 

Night vigils remain prohibited, she added.  

She insisted that masks must still be worn at all times when out in public, and said that in order to ensure that the spread of the virus remains low, social distancing must continue to be observed. 

Faith gatherings can host 250 people 

Limits on faith gatherings have also been relaxed, with previous lockdown levels having mandated that no more than 50 people could enter a place of worship together. Now, a maximum of 250 people are permitted to convene. 

“If the venue is too small to accommodate 250 people at a meter and a half apart, then only half the capacity can be used.”

A maximum of 250 people can gather for weddings, unless the venue is too small to accommodate that number as they abide by social distancing measures, in which case the 50% rule applies. 

The same rule applies to any other social gatherings, she said. 

Outdoor gatherings able to host 500 people 

Outdoor gatherings are restricted to a maximum of 500 people, with the same social distancing protocols applying. 

Gyms, and sporting facilities can only accommodate 50% of their capacities, and restrictions on crowds at sporting events remain in place.

“This dangerous virus, it likes to move in crowds,” she said.  “In crowds it spreads very easily.”

“We must continue to follow all the health protocols very carefully.”