As the landmark number of Corona cases in our country breached the 1 million mark yesterday, the President said this evening that there is little cause for celebration at New Year this year, much like others around the world. He announced a return to an ‘adjusted’ Level 3 Lockdown, effective from midnight, with a ban on alcohol sales, and new Curfew hours.

The President referred to the mutated Corona Virus, one that appears to be more viscious than the one we faced initially, itscspread caused by Super-spreader events, he said. Not wearing masks, nor washing hands, not sanitizing, and not keeping our distance has exaceberated the transmission of the new virus.

The President said that the consumption of alcohol is leading to Covid measures not being followed. The alcohol consumption is also restricting space in public health facilities, due to alcohol-induced trauma cases.

The President said that decisive action is needed and therefore announced an ‘adjusted Level 3 Lockdown’ until 15 January:

1. All indoor and outdoor gatherings are prohibited, with the exclusion of funerals (maximum of 50 persons allowed), restaurants, casinos, and more, specific regulations to be announced.
2. Businesses must determine the maximum number of staff and customers in an outlet at any time, relative to Social Distancing
3. The Curfew starts at 21h00 until 6h00, except for Essential workers, businesses having to close at 18h00.
4. Every individual has the responsibility of wearing masks, it being compulsory in public spaces. Not wearing a mask is committing an offense, one facing arrest, with payment of a fine or imprisonment for a maximum of 6 months. Drastic measures are called for.
5. The elderly and those with co-morbidities must protect themselves
6. Alcohol sales on-consumption and off-consumption are banned.

The regulations will be reviewed from time to time, depending on how we manage the pandemic.

New Hotspot areas were announced in the following districts/provinces:

#   Eastern Cape

#   KwaZulu-Natal

#   Gauteng

#   Western Cape, including Overberg, West Coast, Cape Town, Winelands, and Karoo

#   North West

#.  Limpopo

This means that Beaches in Cape Town, the West Coast, and Overberg will be closed completely as of tomorrow.

A sombre message from our President to end off our difficult 2020 year.  My heart bleeds for the restaurant industry.

 

Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.chrisvonulmenstein.com/blog Tel +27 082 55 11 323 Twitter:@Ulmenstein Facebook: Chris von Ulmenstein, My Cape Town Guide/Mein Kapstadt Guide Instagram: @Chrissy_Ulmenstein @MyCapeTownGuide

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