COVID-19: ALERT LEVEL 2 TALKING POINTS
VALID TO 17 AUGUST 2020 @ 17h00
It is in our hands now.
- The move to alert level 2 is a positive sign that we are making progress in the fight against COVID-19.
- However, the fight is far from over, and what happens next is in our collective hands.
- We must continue to practice responsible behaviour and do the right things.
- The virus has not been eradicated and we cannot simply go back to life as we once knew it.
- Your actions count and are key to stopping the spread of the virus.
- Our actions over the next few weeks and months will determine how quickly we can move forward.
- Through our personal and collective actions, we can continue to minimise the rate of infection across society.
We must continue to be responsible.
- Government applauds the millions of South Africans who continue to do the right things daily, such as practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- These actions have helped us to minimise the risk, and lower the rate of infections.
- Non-compliance to the protocols endangers your own life and the lives of others.
- Irresponsible behaviour places our elderly parents, grandparents and those who suffer from comorbidities at greater risk.
We all have to take greater personal responsibility.
- Many restrictions on social and economic activity have been lifted under alert level 2.
- We are however not out of the woods yet, and we have to be even more vigilant now that greater movement is allowed.
- We must continue to be cautious and consider the effect of our actions on others.
- Should you choose to meet with friends and family, visit entertainment venues, travel for leisure, or consume alcohol in restaurants, bars and taverns, you must do so responsibly.
- It is important to note that many people who have the coronavirus do not have symptoms, yet could unwittingly infect others.
- Continue to observe physical distancing and observe all safety protocols, even when visiting close family members and friends.
Restrictions have been greatly reduced under alert level 2.
- Under alert level 2, all companies can now do business in South Africa - apart from nightclubs, and international passenger ships, which remain prohibited.
- The prohibition of the sale of tobacco and associated products such as the sale of cigarettes, vaping liquid, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, or anything associated with those products has been lifted.
- The sale of liquor is permitted from 09:00 to 17:00, from Mondays to Thursdays, excluding public holidays.
- Alcohol can now be consumed on site at licenced outlets such as bars and restaurants daily until 10pm.
- Leisure accommodation and intra provincial travel is now allowed.
- All accredited and licenced accommodation is allowed, provided that not more than 50 per cent of the available floor space is taken and that patrons observe a distance of at least one and half metres from each other.
- Weddings are now allowed - but only up to 50 people.
- Organised sport can resume but no spectators are allowed, and international fixtures will not be permitted.
- You are allowed to have visitors to your house but this is restricted to 10 people.
- Only 50 people are permitted at an event, or in a cinema.
- Only up to 50 people may be admitted to a gym. The same applies to sports grounds and fields as well as swimming pools.
- Beaches and public parks can open for all activities.
Certain restrictions remain in place.
The national borders remain closed except for certain exceptions.
Night clubs remain closed.
International passenger air travel for leisure purposes remains prohibited.
Passengers ships for international leisure purposes remains prohibited.
Attendance at a funeral remains limited to 50 persons, and night vigils are still not allowed.
The curfew remains in place from 22h00 to 04h00, unless you have a permit to perform an essential service, or if you are attending to a security or medical emergency.
The wearing of masks remains mandatory and you will not be allowed to be in a public place, use any form of public transport, or enter a public building, place or premises, if you are not wearing a face mask.
