On Sunday evening, President Ramaphosa announced that the whole of South Africa will enter Level 3 of the lockdown from 1 June. This means less stringent rules for us as a nation. However, the president did warn that there are many ‘hotspots’ in the country and that if the number of corona cases rise in these hotspots that we could likely go back to level 4 or even level 5 of lockdown.

“Even as we move to alert level 3 it is important that we should be aware that there are a few parts of the country where the disease is concentrated and where infections continue to rise,” said President Ramaphosa. If you need a refresher on how to wear your masks and gloves, check out our guide here.

Level 3: What Regulations Will Be Lifted

– The curfew on the movement of people will be lifted.

– Alcohol may be sold for home consumption only, under strict conditions. (Further information to be released in the next few days)

– People will be able to exercise at any time during the day, NOT in groups.

– Retail trade will be fully opened, including stores, spaza shops and informal traders. E-commerce will continue to remain open.

– All manufacturing, mining, construction, financial services, professional and business services, information technology, communications, government services and media services will commence full re-opening.

– Other sectors that opened previously, such as agriculture and forestry, utilities, medical services, food production and manufacture of hygiene products will remain fully opened.

– Funerals, no more than 50 people will be allowed.

Level 3: What Will NOT Be Allowed

– The sale of tobacco products will remain prohibited due to the health risks associated with smoking.

– Restaurants, bars and taverns will continue to be closed except for delivery or collection of food.

– Any place open to the public where cultural, sporting, entertainment, recreational, exhibitional, organisational or similar activities may take place will remain closed.

– All gatherings will remain prohibited, except for funerals with no more than 50 people or meetings in the workplace for work purposes.

– Any place open to the public where cultural, sporting, entertainment, recreational, exhibitional, organisational or similar activities may take place will remain closed.

– No visiting friends and family, you will have to continue to self-isolate and only leave the house for essential goods or work.

– National borders will remain closed.

The president reminded us that the lockdown has proved to be effective in slowing down the virus, but that we will see a rapid increase in cases and casualties. Level 3 will be introduced because we as a country cannot sustain a nationwide lockdown indefinitely. Now that the alcohol ban will be lifted, the smart thing to do is order from home for delivery. Massive queues of people increases the likelihood of the spread of the virus. Check out all the online deals on wine and spirits happening now here.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY BE INFECTED WITH COVID-19

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has a toll-free number for the public that deals with Covid-19 related issues or questions: 0800 029 999. The line is operated 24 hours a day.