Lockdown Alert Level 1 will officially begin at midnight on Sunday as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier. Many of the restrictions put in place when the National State of Disaster came into effect at the end of March to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, have now been eased.
Gathering capacity increased
200 people allowed at indoor events
500 people allowed at outdoor events
Physical exercise, recreation and entertainment venues allowed to operate at 50% capacity
Sports restrictions still as at Level 3
100 people allowed at funerals
Night vigils still not allowed
Travel restrictions eased
International travel will be eased in gradually as of 1 October
Limited amount of countries can be visited based on their risk levels
Only OR Tambo, King Shaka, Cape Town International airports operational
A negative COVID-19 test result (no older than 72 hours) must be presented at airports
Mandatory quarantine for travellers who have no proof of testing for COVID-19
International tourists allowed to travel in but required to be screened first
All travelers required to use country’s COVID-19 alert app
Other changes
Curfew remains in place, effective daily between midnight and 4am
Alcohol consumption permitted in licensed venues
Alcohol sales permitted from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm
The UIF relief benefit remains in place until end of the national state of disaster
All long-term visas will be reinstated
In his address, President Ramaphosa stressed that health protocols such as exercising good hand hygiene and wearing of masks would continue to be enforced.
The National State of Disaster has been extended until mid-October.
