President Ramaphosa moves the country back to alert Level 3

The country will be placed back on Covid-19 alert Level 3 from tonight (June 15).

This was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa when he addressed the nation at 20:00 tonight, amid a third wave of Covid-19 infections.

In his speech, Ramaphosa said alert Level 3 will come into effect ‘once the regulations have been gazetted’ later this evening.

The curfew will now start at 22:00 and end at 04:00.

The president said non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars and fitness centres will need to close by 21:00 to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.

“All gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. This includes religious services, political events and social gatherings, as well as restaurants, bars, taverns and similar places,” he said.

Funeral attendance will be limited to 50 people and no ‘after tears’ parties are allowed.

Ramaphosa said the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption is permitted between 10:00 and 18:00 from Mondays to Thursdays, excluding public holidays.

Alcohol sales for on-site consumption will be permitted in licensed establishments until 21:00; however, alcohol consumption in all public spaces, such as beaches and parks, is strictly forbidden.

Ramaphosa said Covid-19 infections have risen to a daily average of 7 500 cases, up from 3 700.

“Hospital admissions due to Covid-19 over the last 14 days are 59% higher than the preceding 14 days.

The average number of people who die from Covid-19 has increased by 48%, from 535 two weeks ago to 791 in the past seven days.

On the vaccination front, the country is now vaccinating around 80 000 people a day at over 570 sites in the public and private sectors, according to the president.

“This number will grow rapidly in the weeks to come, as we aim to protect as many vulnerable people as possible,” he said.

He said it is estimated that the country has the capacity at present to vaccinate at least 150 000 people a day, ‘and we are planning to increase that to 250 000 a day as soon as possible’.

“I therefore call on every person in this country over the age of 60 to register – whether online, by SMS, by phone or in person – and get vaccinated without delay. 

“I call on everyone else, if you know someone over 60 years of age who has not been vaccinated, please help them to register and get vaccinated.” 

How to register: 

Use the USSD service: dial *134*832# from your phone to start the registration process, or 

Send the word ‘REGISTER’ to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp, or visit https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za.