SA moves to lockdown level 3 as Covid-19 cases continue to rise

President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved the country to lockdown level 3, as Covid-19 infections continue to rise.

Ramaphosa made the announcement on Tuesday, June 15.

“Since I last spoke to you just over two weeks ago, the average number of daily new infections has doubled. Then, we were recording around 3 700 daily infections.

“Over the last seven days, we have recorded an average of 7 500 daily infections. Hospital admissions due to Covid-19 over the last 14 days are 59% higher than the preceding 14 days.

“The average number of people who die from Covid-19 each day has increased by 48 per cent from 535 two weeks ago to 791 in the past seven days,” Ramaphosa said.

Gauteng, Free State, North West and Northern Cape were officially in a third wave, while others were approaching that point, the president said.

“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 KwaZuluNatal. Of these, Gauteng has been the worst hit,” Ramaphosa said.

He said Gauteng accounted for nearly two-thirds of new cases measured over the last week.

“The increase in infections in Gauteng is 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,” Ramaphosa said.

He said private hospitals in the province had reported that they were near capacity.

“We have to act decisively and quickly to save lives. And to do this, we need to return to the basics.

Basic precautions 

“We need to remind ourselves how the virus is spread so that each one of us makes sure that we behave in a way that reduces the chances of transmission.

“We must not disregard the basic precautions that we know are so essential. Our scientists inform us that it is through our behaviour that the virus is spread.

“We must remember that many people who are infected with Covid-19 do not show any symptoms,” Ramaphosa said.

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.

PICTURE: Twitter/@PresidencyZA

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