South Africa’s unique position of having implemented a hard lockdown before a spike in Covid-19 numbers, means we are opening up the economy at quite a significant time in the pandemic.
That being said, all citizens have been fully briefed on the need to wear masks in public, to practice social distancing and to not go out if they’re feeling unwell.
The experience of more than 60 days in hard lockdown means we are looking forward to the easing up of some restrictions as level 3 begins on Monday, albeit with the correct health and safety practices in place.
So, as you enjoy the beginning of the winter chill this weekend, here are a few things you can look forward to as we enter a new phase of South Africa’s lockdown levels.
Exercise throughout the day
If there’s one thing Zululand does well, it’s winter! Fortunately, we will all be able to get outside, once again, and enjoy the natural surrounds without checking our watches and rushing home before the 9am cut-off time. The seasonable nip in the air also encourages more comfort eating, so it will be great to get outside and work off the extra lockdown layers from Monday.
Do a bit of clothing shopping
Although winter is upon us, we are still enjoying temperatures in the high 20s and some days a pair of slops will take preference over closed winter shoes. We can now laugh off Ebrahim Patel’s ridiculous list of retail options (closed-toe shoes and crop-bottom pants?!) and waltz into the open-toe shoe clothing aisle without feeling like a thief in the night.
Enjoy cocktail hour…at home
Garnering a substantial amount of media and public interest, the sale of alcohol will be allowed (for home consumption only) as South Africa eases into level 3. The restrictions regarding the times for sales of alcohol have not been publicised as yet, however, it is advisable to opt for online sales where permissible, as many thirsty South Africans will, no doubt, be flocking to the nearest liquor outlet. Many stores are also allowing pre-order to ease the process.
Household appliances available
I don’t know if it’s the fact that everyone was forced to remain at home and the use of household appliances increased, or if the household appliances just conspired against us as soon as 27 March rolled around, but everything seemed to pack up in my house. We can now peruse the sale items from major retailers with blissful abandon as household appliances are now available for purchase. Just make sure you check those warranty documents.
Returning to work
No more Monday blues in level 3 as more industries open up, allowing people to go back to work with appropriate health and safety measures in place. Who would’ve thought that we would all be excited to return to our jobs and hear what Carol did on the weekend, or discover what questions Sne got wrong on the family quiz? How wonderful it will be to share in the lives of people outside of our household! What joy.
The next few months will be quite anxiety-inducing for all of us, but it is great that we get the chance to enjoy a few more freedoms and appreciate the activities that we will no longer take for granted. Stay safe!
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