Lockdown Level 2: Restrictions on gatherings, curfew AMENDED

A change in the evening curfew and the limited number on gatherings are just two of the main changes President Cyril Ramaphosa announced when placing the country under Level 2 of the lockdown.

Sporting a more casual look on Sunday evening, 12 September 2021, Ramaphosa addressed the nation to give an update on the progress made in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lockdown Level 2: Changes gatherings and curfew

Under Level 2 of the lockdown (which comes into effect on Monday), curfew hours will start at 23:00 and end at 04:00.

As far as gatherings go, a maximum number of 250 people will be allowed indoors, while 500 will be permitted outdoors.

“Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue may be used,” Ramaphosa said.

Under Level 3 of the lockdown, the evening curfew was from 22h00 – 04h00. Gatherings were also allowed, however only limited to 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors. A maximum of 50 people were also allowed to attend funerals.

In his address, President Cyril Ramaphosa made sure to emphasise the exercising of the necessary health protocols and reminded South Africans that failure to adhere to some of them could land people in trouble with the law.

“It remains mandatory for every person to wear a face mask that always covers their nose and mouth when in public spaces. It is a criminal offence not to do so, and the managers of shops and restaurants as well as drivers of taxis and buses have a responsibility to ensure that their customers wear masks, and that the appropriate social distancing measures are in place,” he said.

The move to Level 2 of the lockdown will undoubtedly be welcomed by various industries that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, including tourism.