President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the easing of the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions in South Africa.
Ramaphosa on Tuesday evening addressed the nation on South Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Video | President Ramaphosa addresses the nation: 22 March 2022
Easing of COVID-19 restrictions
Ramaphosa announced the easing of restrictions during level one of the COVID-19 lockdown.
He says the easing of restrictions comes as fewer deaths are recorded and positive COVID-19 test results compared to when the virus was first detected in the country.
In his address Ramaphosa listed the new regulations that will come into effect on Wednesday, 23 March 202.
- The National State of Disaster will be lifted as soon as public comment on the health regulations published by the Department of Health.
- South Africans are asked to make comments on the draft regulations before the 16th of April 2022
- Both indoor and outdoor venues can now take up to 50% of their capacity provided that, the criteria for entrance at those venues, there is proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test not older than 72 hours.
- If there is no provision for proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test, the current upper limit will remain at 1000 people indoors and 2000 people outdoors.
- Funeral capacity will increase from 100 to 200. After funeral gatherings after-tears and night vigils are still not allowed.
- Masks are no longer required when outdoors. Masks only required indoors
- People should stand 1 meter away from each to achieve social distancing
- Travelers entering SA need to show proof of vaccination or a PCR test not older than 72 hours. Unvaccinated travelers wishing to enter the country will be vaccinated before entering South Africa.
However, the President cautioned that these changes do not mean the pandemic is over. He said the country is learning to live with the virus and returning back to normal in a safe way.
President @CyrilRamaphosa: The maximum number of people permitted at a funeral will increase from 100 to 200. As before, night vigils, after-funeral gatherings and ‘after-tears’ gatherings are not allowed. pic.twitter.com/9x4BTebkjJ
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) March 22, 2022
President @CyrilRamaphosa: As before, it is mandatory to wear a cloth mask or similar covering over the nose and mouth when in public indoor spaces. However, a mask is not required when outdoors. pic.twitter.com/NqtORC3NtA
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) March 22, 2022
President @CyrilRamaphosa: The approach going forward is that both indoor and outdoor venues can now take up to 50% of their capacity provided that the criteria for entrance are proof of vaccination or a COVID test not older than 72 hours. pic.twitter.com/rGqBzOWKOr
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) March 22, 2022
President @CyrilRamaphosa: Vaccination is likely to reduce transmission at home and at places like schools and universities where there is close contact. pic.twitter.com/kTGbJGLB8d
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) March 22, 2022
President @CyrilRamaphosa: The regulations on social distancing are also being changed, requiring that a space of 1 metre is maintained between persons in all settings except schools. pic.twitter.com/8fjwUGV0P7
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) March 22, 2022
