IN BRIEF: Lockdown Alert Level 1

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.