SA imposes Level 3 lockdown, curfew now earlier, alcohol restricted

South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa has announced new level 3 lockdown so Covid-19 cases skyrocket.

The new measures are effective midnight. Public gatherings are not prohibited for 14 days, with exceptions such as funerals and others to be set out by the government.

Ramaphosa says there’s a new curfew between 9pm and 6am, with leeway for essential workers.

Masks are mandatory, those flouting this regulation can be arrested and prosecuted, and will be liable to a fine or imprisonment of a period not exceeding 6 months.

Ramaphosa says “the sale of alcohol from retail outlets and on-site consumption of alcohol will not be permitted.”

Hotpots have been declared. In the Western Cape, the West Coast District, Overberg District, Winelands District, Cape Town, Central Karoo District are hotspots. This is in addition to the Garden Route District.

In the North West, Bojanala District is declared a hotspot area.

And in Limpopo, the Waterberg District and the Capricorn District are declared coronavirus hotspots.

Those living in the hotspot districts are strongly encouraged to minimise their travel within the district to essential travel so as to minimise contact with other people.

Travel to hotspot districts should be avoided if possible.

SA is experience a new variant of Covid-19 which spreads more aggressively.

Ramaphosa says the new measures are meant to curtail superspreader events.

Infections in that country have now surpassed 1 million.