Lockdown Level 3: Some of the details

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma

Hotspots

Stringent measures will be implemented in the metropolitans, district municipalities and other areas identified as Covid-19 hotspots.

These include:

• Tshwane
• Johannesburg
• Ekurhuleni
• eThekwini
• Nelson Mandela Bay
• Buffalo City
• Cape Town
• the West Coast, Overberg and Cape Winelands district municipalities in the Western Cape
• Chris Hani District in the Eastern Cape
• iLembe District in KwaZulu-Natal

“In the event that our collective efforts bear little or no fruits, such areas will require additional efforts, including being subjected to higher level restrictions, including limiting of movements within and to and from the hotspot.

“In the areas that are not hotspots, we will allow movements within the district and localities. We will permit movement only to and from work, as well as to buy or obtain available goods, services and medical attention,” Dlamini Zuma said.

Limitations on movement

Interprovincial movement is still prohibited under Level 3, and now also between metropolitan areas and districts and hotspots, except for (and provided such persons have the relevant permits}:

• travelling for purposes of starting work
• moving to a new residence
• or caring for an immediate family member

With the schools opening to learners in a phased approach from 1 June 2020, travelling between provinces and districts will be allowed for learners, students and teaching staff.

Curfew and exercsing

The nighttime curfew on the movement of people will be lifted.

Dlamini Zuma emphasised that outdoor exercise is permitted at any time, provided it is not done in organised groupings and health protocols, especially social distancing, must be strictly observed. However Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, said that exercise would be limited to between 6am and 6pm. Arts, Culture and Sports Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, is expected to elaborate on this regulation.

Public training, fitness and recreation facilities will remain closed, except those conducting non-contact sports matches, without spectators.

Returning to work

As from 1 June, most employees, including public servants, will be returning to work, except employees who are over 60 years and those with comorbidities.

Dlamini Zuma said workers with pre-existing conditions should be encouraged to work from home.

She said all employers must have a Covid-19 plan and Covid19 compliance officer.

“Workplace gatherings for work purposes will be permitted under strict conditions and the observance of health, hygiene and social distancing protocols. Employers must ensure that the 1.5 metre distance is maintained amongst employees.

“We will have to limit the number of people in the workplace, so that we minimise the chance of infection,” she said.

On-site consumption venues

In minimising the chances of infection, on-site consumption places for food, entertainment and recreation will remain closed. These include places such as:

• Restaurants
• shebeens
• taverns
• night clubs
• bars
• cinemas
• theatres
• fêtes
• bazaars
• casinos

Hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, timeshare facilities and resorts and guest houses, remain closed, except those that are accommodating remaining and confined tourists, people lodging due to work travel; and people in quarantine or isolation.

Religious gatherings

Under level 3, religious gatherings such as church services will be permitted, for a maximum of 50 people, as long as health, hygiene and social distancing is observed.

“Places of worship must be sanitised, and the screening of participants is mandatory,” the Minister said.

Limited interprovincial travel to attend funerals will still continue under Level 3, provided attendees have the requisite permits.. The number of funeral attendees will continue to be limited to 50.

Liquor and cigarette sales

The sale of liquor at licensed premises, in sealed bottles will be permitted under level 3 lockdown between Mondays and Thursdays, 9am to 5pm. However, onsite consumption is prohibited. E-commerce sales will be permitted subject to the same onsite trade days and times.

The sale of tobacco, tobacco products, e-cigarettes and related products remains prohibited, except when they are destined for the export market.

Domestic workers, weddings

Under Level 3, domestic workers may return to work, provided strict health and hygiene protocols are adhered to.

Those wishing to marry may do so under Level 3. However, no celebrations where people will gather are permitted. A marriage certificate will be issued to the couple.