In a very low key and late pre-announcement President Ramaphosa surprised the nation by holding a Family Meeting at 20h00 this evening, announcing the country’s move to Level,1 as of midnight tonight. As I was out for dinner, I only saw the surprise news when I glanced at my phone during the meal. It is the first time in 18 months  that I am reporting on a President’s Speech without having heard it.

A number of concessions were made in the new Level 1 regulations, including a new Curfew starting time, a new restaurant closing time, new alcohol retail sales days, and the numbers of persons allowed to attend Gatherings.

The President announced the following regulation changes:

1. The Curfew start time moves to midnight, until 4h00
2. Restaurants and bars must close at 23h00, to give staff enough time to get home before the Curfew
3. Alcohol may be sold on Saturdays, in addition to weekdays, and may not be consumed in public spaces
4. Funerals are restricted to a maximum of 100 persons, with a two hour limit, and no night vigils or post-funeral gatherings
5. Gatherings are limited to 50% of venue capacity, with a maximum of 750 persons indoors and 2000 persons outdoors. Persons attending such gatherings must be 1,5 meters apart.

The new Level 1 Lockdown status will be a fantastic boost for our country’s economy, the President’s Speech about 18 days ago, bringing the country to Level 2, having given the restaurant industry a great lift.

 

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