NCCC update on Level 2 lockdown: Alcohol and cigarettes are back

- Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has addressed the nation on Level 2 lockdown updates

- She revealed the alcohol and cigarettes will be back on sale and the economy will open up more

- Generally, restrictions across the board were relaxed and inter-provincial travel will resume as well as family visits (with restrictions)

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South Africans were briefed on the new Level 2 lockdown regulations which were gazetted this week after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would move to lockdown Level 2.

In his address on Sunday, Ramaphosa had said that alcohol and cigarettes would be allowed to go on sale again and many parts of the economy would begin to open up.

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma began by addressing the challenges the South Africans faced under lockdown, which included the economy, education and daily life.

Briefly.co.za reported that Dlamini-Zuma repeated the call to thanks to all the health workers how are working on the frontline. Her voice sounded strained and tired.

Additionally, she reported that the rate of infection has dropped in most provinces, except KwaZulu-Natal.

Hospitals are reported higher capacity and a hold has been called on building new field hospitals as a result. Therefore, the restrictions have been relaxed.

Alcohol and cigarettes

Alcohol sales from permitted outlets between Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm. Licensed restaurants and bars can sell alcohol to a maximum of 50 people as long as the correct protocols are in place.

All tobacco products will be allowed on sale again as level 2 has no provisions for tobacco products.

She asked South Africans to drink responsibly and not drink and drive. She did mention briefly that cigarettes are allowed to be sold again.

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Travel

Inter-provincial travel is permitted, travel between provinces has been opened up under lockdown Level 2.

Friends and family can visit as long as there are no more than 10 people at a time. She cautioned that older people are at high risk still, so when visiting health protocols must be followed, including the wearing of masks.

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Economy

The economy will begin to open up more as restrictions are relaxed. Casinos, theatres and cinemas can operate at 50% capacity as long as the health protocols are followed.

She cautioned that when the economy is opened up it does not mean that the risk of the virus has reduced but the government is trying to balance the economy. She stressed that health protocols and social distancing must be adhered to in order to avoid a surge in cases.

Airbnb, hotels and guesthouses can operate again at 50% capacity.

Nightclubs remain closed.

Social distancing

The curfew remains in place from 22:00 until 04:00 unless you are performing an essential service and have the required permit.

Gyms and fitness centres can reopen to a maximum of 50 people at a time as long as the correct safety measures are in place.

Restrictions on beaches and parks have been lifted and water-based activities are also open subject to health protocols.

Funerals and social gathering are permitted with no more than 50 people as well as protocols must be adhered to.

Spectators and not allowed at sports events and passengers are not allowed on cruise ships.

Dlamini-Zuma finished by calling on South Africans to remain vigilant and protect each other as the nation continues its fight against the virus.

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Source: Briefly News