BREAKING: National lockdown update

SA on Level 3: get lockdown details and new restrictions

Latest update: Friday, 18 June 2021

LOCKDOWN HIGHLIGHTS 

• South Africa now on alert level 3

• New curfew time 10pm - 4am

Find out more encouraging news, Covid-19 stats and encouraging updates.

WATCH: CYRIL RAMAPHOSA’S LATEST ADDRESS

https://t.co/drBklaME5G

— Presidency | South Africa ???????? (@PresidencyZA) June 15, 2021

We are currently at alert level 3 as of Tuesday, 15 June. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation regarding new curfew hours (10pm - 4am), restrictions on alcohol sales (not allowed over the weekend, including Fridays, nor on public holidays), and encouraging vaccination efforts, despite the average daily infection rate rise. Since Ramaphosa’s last address on 30 May, the daily infection rate has more than doubled, from 3 700 to 7 500 infections per day. To slow the spread Ramaphosa said, “we must once again tighten restrictions on the movement of persons and gatherings”. 

We can combat the rise of infection rates, which is gaining momentum, by vaccinating South Africa's population and then we will finally be on the path to controlling the disease, Ramaphosa said in his address.

LOCKDOWN LEVEL 3: RESTRICTIONS 

• Curfew hours are from 10pm until 4am. 

• On-site consumption of alcohol is permitted up to the appropriate time, 9pm.

• The sale of alcohol for off-site consumption is permitted between 10am - 6pm, Monday to Thursday. This will exclude public holidays.
  
  
• The consumption of alcohol in all public spaces is strictly forbidden.
  
  
• Non-essential establishments such as bars, restaurants and fitness centres will need to close by 9pm to allow their staff and guests to travel home before curfew at 10pm.
  
  
• Gatherings may not exceed 50 people for indoor venues and 100 for outdoor venues. If the venue is too small to accommodate more than 50 people, the venue may not exceed more than 50% of its capacity.
  
  
• Religious, social, political and cultural gatherings are permitted, subject to health protocols.
  
  
• Funerals are restricted to 50 people. Social distancing must be followed with the appropriate health protocols.
   
• Night vigils or other gatherings happening before or after funerals are not permitted.
  
  
• Wearing a mask is compulsory when in public spaces. Not wearing a mask in public could earn you a fine or land you in jail.
  
  
• Public spaces such as beaches, parks and dams will stay open.
  
  
• Night clubs will remain closed.

VACCINE PROGRAMME IS UNDERWAY

To date, 480 000 health care workers have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as part of phase one of the vaccination programme. A further 1.5 million elderly citizens above the age of 60 have received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and “we are now vaccinating around 80 000 people a day at over 570 sites,” Ramaphosa said in his address. This number is expected to grow rapidly in the coming weeks. 

President #Ramaphosa: To date, we have vaccinated close to 480 000 health care workers and close to 1.5 million members of the public aged 60 and above. #StaySafe #CoronaVirusSA pic.twitter.com/YZMJAmo9c6

— Presidency | South Africa ???????? (@PresidencyZA) June 15, 2021

President Ramaphosa confirmed that the previous issues with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are resolved. There are also new doses in production thanks to The Aspen plant in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. We currently have close to 2.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine and hope to see a total of 3.1 million more Pfizer vaccines with another 2 million Johnson & Johnson doses by the end of June, Ramaphosa said.  

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE COVID-19 VACCINE:

Now that the supply of the vaccines is underway Ramaphosa said that the next step is to vaccinate the rest of the population over the age of 60. Currently, “we have the capacity at present to vaccinate at least 150 000” and will plan to increase that number to 250 000 a day, Ramaphosa confirmed. Here’s how to register:  

• You will need internet access on a smartphone, tablet or computer

• If you are 60+ you can apply to register online via vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za 

• You can use your South African ID number, passport number or refugee number

• Once you have registered you will receive an SMS directing you to the nearest vaccination site to your place of residence
  
  

TRAVEL IS PERMITTED IN ALERT LEVEL 3

Currently, the 20 land border posts between South Africa and Botswana, Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe will also remain open level 3. International and interprovincial travel is allowed in alert level three. The following airports are open: OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, Lanseria International Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. 

Long haul flights are permitted during curfew hours and all travellers must provide a valid certificate of a negative Covid-19 on arrival. A Covid-19 test should be completed 72 hours before departure and if you cannot provide a valid test you will be required to do an antigen test on arrival at your own cost when travelling in alert level 3.

DOWNLOAD THE CONTACT TRACING APP

There is an app available that uses no data to download and alert you if you have been exposed to the virus. Everyone with a smartphone can download the contact tracing app. 

---

Here’s how South African’s will be able to travel in lockdown. 

You can safely enjoy Cape Town's new bars, restaurants and delis. 

There are plenty of outdoor things to do this weekend.

Here’s what you need to know about veld fires in Cape Town.

For more updates on Cape Town and coronavirus (COVID-19), including some of the good news we all need during this trying time, subscribe to our weekly newsletter. 

Discover the trails and biodiversity of CapeNature reserves.

The situation is ever-changing and our team is committed to bringing you all the latest updates on COVID-19 in Cape Town. 

What we can expect from SONA 2021.

Need supplies? Check out these places that deliver during lockdown.

Nurses are calling him “the miracle baby” after mother reunites with her lost baby boy.

---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, ‘burbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and get quick access on the go by adding us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.

Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.