RAMAPHOSA EXTENDS LEVEL 4 LOCKDOWN

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the current adjusted level 4 lockdown for another two weeks. This was announced by him during his public address last night.

It comes after Covid 19 infection rates keep increasing and reports that hospitals, both private and public, are full.

The new extension does bring some relief to the restaurant industry as restaurants and industries are now able to operate while observing strict health protocols. These establishments may not accommodate more than 50 people at a time. Smaller venues will be required to maintain a limit of 50% capacity.

Schools will remain closed until the 26th of January. Whether this means the current school holidays will be extended or if homeschooling will begin, remains to be seen.

The sale of alcohol is still prohibited, as are all social, political, religious and other gatherings.

Gyms and fitness centres are allowed to open again while agricultural livestock and game auctions can take place again.

The curfew remains in place from 21:00 to 04:00.

The President also addressed the vaccination issue. During his address, he said that “"the pace of vaccination has more than doubled in the last month, and will continue to increase. Presently, nearly 190 000 people on average are being vaccinated each weekday".

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