Siyauyazi Mshengu

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa will move to alert level 1 of the lockdown on 20 September 2020.

“It is time to move to what we call our new normal. Following consultations with various stakeholders the country will move to alert level 1 effective from midnight on Sunday,” said Ramaphosa.

Here’s what this means:

There is an increase in the number of people that can attend gatherings, international travel is open and largest segments of the economy can now open.

Gatherings

Ramaphosa announced that gatherings will be allowed as long as the number of people do not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue.

• 200 people allowed at indoor events
• 500 people allowed for outdoor events
• Physical exercise, recreation and entertainment venues allowed to operate at 50% capacity.
• Sports restrictions still as at level 3
• 100 people allowed in funerals
• Night vigils still not allowed

Alcohol and the groove

The evening curfew will now apply between 00h00 and 04h00.

• Alcohol for home consumption can be sold between 09h00-17h00 from Monday to Friday,

Other issues to note under the ‘new normal’:

• The UIF relief benefits remain in place until the end of the national state of disaster.
• All long-term visas will be reinstated
• Health protocols including hand hygiene and the wearing of masks to remain in place.
• The national state of disaster has been extended until, mid-October.

Picture: businesstech.co.za