Article by: Natalie Müller
National Coronavirus Command Council ministers have briefed the South African public this afternoon on the plans entailed by the level 3 lockdown regulations.
First to take the podium to lay out the level 3 regulations was minister of COGTA Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who laid out what activities would be prohibited and what would be permitted during the lockdown period.
Minister Dlamini-Zuma says everyone must wear face masks when attending churches and the washing of hands or sanitization should be undertaken prior to worship. All places of worship must be sanitized & the screening of congregants is mandatory
Dlamini-Zuma announced how the sale of liquor would be distributed, saying that the operating times that would be allowed, would be from Monday to Thursday between 09:00 and 17:00.
The sale of liquor in licensed premises will now be permitted as of 1 June for the limited period between Mondays and Thursdays from 9am and 5pm.
She further confirmed that Public training, fitness and recreational facilities will remain closed during this level of lockdown.
The sale of tobacco, tobacco products, e-cigarettes and related products remains prohibited, except when they are destined for the export market.
The Minister said that recreational areas such as gyms, bars, shebeens and hotels are still to be closed except for hotels booked for the purpose of traveling for work. She also affirmed that for the duration of lockdown, male and female initiation practices will also be prohibited.
Cooperative Governance Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says government will continue to prohibit the eviction of tenants during level 3. However, an eviction order may be granted provided it is just and equitable.
Most metros have been declared hotspots, Health Minister will advise measures
The Following Areas Have Been declared Hotspots:
- Tshwane
- Johannesburg
- Ekurhuleni
- Ethekwini
- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Cape Town
- Buffalo City
Minister of the Department if Trade & Industrg Ebrahkm Patel said that In order to ensure smooth movement of employees and as a measure to carefully and gradually open our economy, we will also permit a limited domestic air travel service. He said the Minister of Transport will soon announce relevant directions in this regard.
Patel says that Ports of entry will remain closed except for those designated by Home Affairs Minister to undertake (a) transportation of fuel cargo &goods;& (b) humanitarian operations, repatriations, evacuations,medical emergencies and movements for diplomatic organisations.
The Minister of Home Affairs will also elaborate on the category of persons allowed to undertake international travel under exceptional circumstances these include those returning to work,study or residence here and abroad.
Patel also announced that about 38 million surgical masks had produced for the health sector.
Employees must ensure that a 1.5 meter distance is observed and strict hygiene practices are allowed said patel.
Those who can work from home, should be allowed to continue doing so by employers.
Patel said that Appliances, clothing and furniture can be sold. Micro-financing provided by businesses is also permitted.
It is sadly confirmed that you still can’t cut your hair at a salon but Minister Ebrahim Patel says government is talking to personal care companies to see how they can ensure safety.
Minister Patel said Sit-down meals will still
not be permitted but deliveries, drive-through and collection of food from a restaurant is allowed. The Sale of hot food at retail stores is also allowed.
A limited number of sectors are not yet open, but we now must shift to rebuilding the economy. The impact has been harsh, both in SA and in the rest of the world said Patel .
Patel urged that we should now support the small suppliers and back local producer.”, saying that we need to grow the small business sector and employment creation.
Ebrahim Patel elaborated that, Framework agreements have been developed for workplaces. How to stagger working hours. How do we ensure not everybody rushes to the taxi or the train at the same time every evening.
We met with supermarkets, bottle stores, taverns and other places that sell alcohol. Many of the players recognised that govt concerns were real, says Ebrahim Patel.
Ebrahim Patel said as companies open, more Coronavirus cases are coming to light, so we must take every step to protect society and protect the gains of the Lockdown level that we’re now moving into.
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