Ramaphosa said on Monday, Cabinet has decided to put the country on an adjusted Level 3 from Level 1 with immediate effect.

Under the adjusted level 3 regulations: 

• All indoor and outdoor gatherings will be prohibited for 14 days from the date hereof, except for funerals
• Funerals may not be attended by more than 50 people with social distancing. 
• Every business premises must determine the maximum number of staff and customers permitted at any one time based on our social-distancing guidelines and may not exceed that limit.
• The nationwide curfew will be extended from 9pm to 6am. Apart from permitted workers and for medical and security emergencies, nobody is allowed outside their place of residence during curfew. 
• Non-essential establishments – including shops, restaurants, bars and all cultural venues – must close at 8pm. The list of these establishments will be released shortly. 
• From now on it is compulsory for every person to wear a mask in a public space. A person who does not wear a cloth mask covering over the nose and mouth in a public place will be committing an offence. 
• A person who does not wear a mask could be arrested and prosecuted. On conviction, they will be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both a fine and imprisonment.

Under the strengthened regulations:

• The sale of alcohol from retail outlets and the on-site consumption of alcohol will not be permitted.
• The prohibition on consuming alcohol in public spaces like parks and beaches remains.
• Distribution and transportation will be prohibited with exceptions that will be explained by the minister.
• These regulations may be reviewed within the next few weeks if we see a sustained decline in infections and hospital admissions.  
• In effect, the adjusted Level 3 regulations will keep the economy open while strengthening measures to reduce transmission.
• With a few exceptions, businesses may continue to operate as long as all relevant health protocols and social distancing measures are adhered to.
• Night clubs and businesses engaged in the sale and transportation of liquor will not be allowed to operate. 

The Level 3 restrictions will remain in place until 15 January 2021.

eNCA