In his address to the nation on Monday, 28 December 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country would move to adjusted Alert Level 3 lockdown regulations. This comes in response to the spike in infections as a second wave of the pandemic takes hold in our communities. The Level 3 regulations have been amended to accommodate the continued operation of most sectors of the economy, and also make it a legal requirement for all persons to wear masks when out in public. Cape Town has also been declared a COVID-19 hotspot area.
Summary of amended Alert Level 3 regulations:
- Extended curfew: All residents are required to stay at home between 21:00 and 06:00, except for essential workers or in the case of emergencies. Businesses must close by 20:00.
- Ban on alcohol sales: The sale, distribution and transportation of alcohol is prohibited. The restriction includes the sale or consumption of alcohol in bars, restaurants and other venues. All nightclubs, bars, taverns, shebeens and other establishments that only trade in alcohol are closed.
- Closure of public facilities: All beaches, dams, rivers and public swimming pools are closed in hotspot areas. Municipal sports facilities are also closed. Pools in enclosed resorts are exempt and may remain open.
- Legal requirement to wear a mask: The amended regulations require all persons to wear a mask when in public. Failure to do so is an offence punishable by law and may result in a fine and/or imprisonment.
- Ban on indoor and outdoor events: All indoor and outdoor events and gatherings are prohibited for 14 days, except funerals which are limited to a maximum of 50 persons.
The Alert Level 3 regulations came into effect on Tuesday, 29 December 2020 and will be reviewed on 15 January 2021. View the Government Notice on the amended Alert Level 3 regulations. It is vital that we all support the national effort to reduce infections. For detailed information on the amended Alert Level 3 restrictions, please visit the National Government COVID-19 website.