As the third wave hits the country’s three provinces, Gauteng is now South Africa’s Covid-19 epicentre.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said during his address to the nation on June 15, that Gauteng, the Free State, North West, and the Northern Cape were officially in the third wave – while the other five provinces were approaching that point.
“Four provinces – Gauteng, Free State, North West, and Northern Cape – are officially in a third wave, while others are approaching that point.
“The proportion of Covid tests that are positive – the so-called positivity rate – is continuing to rise in Gauteng, Limpopo, Western Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal.
“Of these, Gauteng has been the worst hit. It accounts for nearly two-thirds of new cases measured over the last week,” said Ramaphosa.
He said that the increase in infections in Gauteng was now “faster and steeper” than it was at the same time in previous waves.
“Within a matter of days, it is likely that the number of new cases in Gauteng will surpass the peak of the second wave.
“Private hospitals in the province have reported that they are near capacity,” said Ramaphosa.
In view of the rising infections, the president said his government had, therefore, decided to move the country to Alert Level 3.
This meant that:
- The hours of curfew will start at 22:00 and end at 04:00.
- Non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars, and fitness centres will need to close by 21:00 to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.
- All gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people 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. This includes religious services, political events, and social gatherings, as well as restaurants, bars, taverns, and similar places.
- Attendance at funerals and cremations may not exceed 50 people and all social distancing and health protocols must be observed. Night vigils, after-funeral gatherings, and ‘after-tears’ gatherings are not allowed.
- The sale of alcohol from retail outlets for off-site consumption will only be permitted between 10:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Thursday. This excludes public holidays. Alcohol sales for on-site consumption will be permitted as per license conditions up to 21:00. Alcohol consumption in all public spaces, such as beaches and parks, is strictly forbidden.
