BREAKING: National lockdown update

Curfew 10pm - 4am, alcohol ban lifted, 18-24 can register for vaccine soon

Latest update: Tuesday, 27 July 2021

LOCKDOWN HIGHLIGHTS

• South Africa moved to level 3 lockdown
  
  
• Alcohol sales allowed
  
  
• Curfew time changed: 10pm - 4am
  
  
• Vaccine programme open to next age group

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

WATCH: CYRIL RAMAPHOSA’S LATEST ADDRESS 

Developments in the country's response to the #COVID19 pandemic #StaySafe https://t.co/PaHJTh51Ci

— Cyril Ramaphosa ???????? #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 25, 2021

South Africa moved to adjusted alert level 3 on Sunday evening, 25 July. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation with plans to deal with the recent protests and violence in areas like KZN and Gauteng, along with our response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Plus, “our vaccination campaign has made huge strides”, the President said. As a result, we have now administered more than 6.3 million vaccines, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his speech on 25 July. 

HERE’S HOW WE WILL HELP OUR COUNTRY

To ensure that the South African community can come out of the recent state of violence, the South African Government is reinstating the Social Relief of Distress Grant. The government will provide a monthly payment of R350 until the end of March 2022. In addition, they are expanding the number of eligible people, particularly unemployed caregivers, for this grant. President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that details regarding the reinstatement will be announced soon.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced major plans to provide relief to poor households, as part of government's efforts to #RebuildSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/WPeHCVeAuc

— Presidency | South Africa ???????? (@PresidencyZA) July 25, 2021

More good news: insured businesses affected by the unrest and violence will be covered by SASRIA, South African Special Risks Insurance Association. Plus, companies that are not insured will receive help from set aside government funds. Currently, the government is working on making this happen and will announce how businesses can apply soon. The government has also increased the deployment of SAPS and SANDF personnel in areas they consider to be potential hotspots. This will help keep “critical supply routes open and safeguard the transport of goods” said President Ramaphosa.

LOCKDOWN ADJUSTED LEVEL 3: RESTRICTIONS 

We have seen a 20% drop in new infection cases compared to the previous week, Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed in his latest speech. This overall decline in Covid-19 cases means we can ease into adjusted level 3 alert’s restrictions. 

• Curfew hours are from 10pm - 4am. All non-essential establishments should close by 9pm. 

• Interprovincial travel for leisure purposes are allowed. 

• The sale of alcohol for on-site consumption is allowed up to 8pm. 

• The sale of alcohol for off-site consumption is allowed between Monday - Thursday, 10am - 6pm.

• Non-essential establishments are allowed to open. This includes restaurants, taverns, bars and gyms. However, these establishments must close by 9pm to allow their employees time to get home.

• Gatherings are allowed to a maximum of 50 indoors and 100 outdoors. This includes religious services, political events and social gatherings. If the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers, venues cannot use more than 50% of the capacity. 

• Funerals and cremations are allowed, but all social distancing and health protocols must be followed and attendance may not exceed 50 people.

• Night vigils or other gatherings happening before or after funerals are not permitted. 

• Public spaces like beaches and parks are open.

• Schools will reopen on Monday, 26 July

• Wearing a mask is compulsory when in public spaces. Not wearing a mask in public could get you a fine or in jail.

• Night clubs will remain closed. 

 

WE HAVE MADE HUGE STRIDES, SAYS PRESIDENT

The vaccination programme will open up to the next age group, 18 - 34, from 1 September, Ramaphosa confirmed on 25 July. The President said the programme is going very well and that over 10% of the population have received a vaccine dose. “We are now administering more than 240,000 vaccines every weekday.” and in the next few weeks, we can expect a substantial increase in the rate of vaccinations, the President said.

Level 3 restrictions as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa pic.twitter.com/BT9L1GKDxu

— Presidency | South Africa ???????? (@PresidencyZA) July 25, 2021

 

FIND OUT HOW TO REGISTER: 

All vaccination sites allow you to walk in and register in person, however, if you are eligible, pre-registration will help speed up the process:

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

• 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

President #Ramaphosa: Registration will soon be opened to those aged 50 & above. You can:
•Register online https://t.co/0YtMI3ijVs
•Dialling *134*832#
•Sending the word “register” via WhatsApp to 0600 123 456 or call the national toll-free centre on 0800 029 999#StaySafe pic.twitter.com/tf1HOPkiZj

— Presidency | South Africa ???????? (@PresidencyZA) June 27, 2021

 

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE DELTA VARIANT

It was first detected in India last year in March and is noticeably more contagious than the Beta variant that was dominant in South Africa. Those previously infected with the Beta variant will still need to be vigilant. You may not have full protection against the Delta variant and may still be at risk for re-infection. However, “preliminary data from other countries suggests that it is not more severe”, Ramaphosa confirmed in his speech.

President #Ramaphosa: We need to act now to contain the spread of the virus. Wearing a cloth mask or similar covering over the nose and mouth is mandatory when in public. Any person who does not wear a mask in a public place will be committing an offence. #StaySafe #CoronaVirusSA pic.twitter.com/NaDD6M7lSF

— Presidency | South Africa ???????? (@PresidencyZA) June 27, 2021

 

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL 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 at level 3 lockdown. 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. 

 

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