Mthethwa gazettes new lockdown regulations

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa has gazetted new regulations under Level 3 of the nationwide lockdown.

The directives allow people to visit cinemas, museums, theatres and even libraries.

While libraries will be allowed to operate with 50 people or less, experts have warned against having more than 10 people occupying the same area.

The country has seen an exponential rise in infections over the past weeks recording 224 665 cases in total with 3 602 deaths.

Department of Sports, Arts and Culture spokesperson, Masechaba Khumalo says, “Services must be limited where libraries are concerned. With regards to borrowing and returning of library material and if possible to encourage online referencing and programming and ensure that the study area is restricted to 30 percent capacity of the library area.”

“Fifty people may gather or less, excluding staff members. They are allowed to gather in libraries in compliance with health safety protocols and also, if possible, to ensure that the computer area for instance is restricted to 10 percent capacity at the library area and to also ensure that children and toy services for instance remain closed,” explains Khumalo.

Media Release: Minister @NathiMthethwaSA announces the Gazetting of the re-opening of Arts and Cultural spaces.

Click here for the full Gazetted Directions: https://t.co/omMdE6tzYe pic.twitter.com/79JdJTEJKL

— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) July 7, 2020

Mthethwa gives PSL green light to resume full training and play

Meanwhile, in June, the minister gave Premier Soccer League (PSL) the green light to return to full training and play.

Mthethwa approved the PSL’s plans and safety regulations which include testing as well as training and playing in a safe, sanitised environment.

A date for the resumption of the 2019/2020 season is in the hands of the PSL.

Click on the audio below to listen to the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture spokesperson, Masechaba Khumalo: