South Africa extends Level 4 Lockdown with a further 2 weeks

South Africa will remain in adjusted level 4 lockdown for another 14 days, the country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday.

For the last two weeks, the country has consistently recorded an average of nearly 20 000 daily new cases.

At present, the country has over 200 000 active Covid 19 cases in the last two weeks.

Among other restrictions, Ramaphosa’s speech acknowledged that all gatherings indoors and outdoors remained banned.

Public places like beaches and parks would remain open, but no gatherings were permitted.

Ramaphosa said the curfew would remain from 9 pm to 4 am and alcohol sales are still prohibited and schools will remain closed until 26 July. He said:

For the last two weeks, the country has been on an adjusted alert level, this was indicative of a high risk of transmission.

When I last addressed you, I indicated that we would assess the situation after 14 days and determine what adjustments may be required.

As things stand now, infections remain extremely high. With the fast-spreading Delta variant, we are experiencing a third wave that is more severe than the first and the second wave.

From July 11 to July 25, the following measures will remain in place:

• All social, political, religious, and other gatherings remain prohibited.
• A curfew remains in place from 9 pm until 4 am and only those with permission to do so may leave their homes during their period.
• The sale of alcohol remains prohibited.
• Schools will remain closed until July 26. It remains mandatory.

Ramaphosa announced the following adjustments to alert level four:

• Restaurants and eateries will be able to operate while observing strict health protocols. Such establishments may not accommodate more than 50 people at a time or for smaller venues more than 50% of their normal capacity.
• Gyms and fitness centers may also open and activities such as agricultural livestock and game auctions will be allowed.

On Sunday, South Africa recorded 16 302 new COVID-19 cases and 151 deaths, the Health Department said in a tweet.