President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Thursday [December 3], after holding a special sitting of Cabinet that considered recommendations of the National Coronavirus Command Council.
During his address, Ramaphosa noted a spike in cases in the Eastern and Western Cape areas. He declared Nelson Mandela Bay as an official coronavirus hotpot. Additional restrictions will now be put in place to ensure the virus does not spread any further. This includes stricter curfews hours and a weekend alcohol ban.
Stricter curfews in coronavirus hotspots are an important tool for slowing the spread of Covid-19 and easing the pressure on strained local healthcare services. pic.twitter.com/1pBXY0xDuY
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 3, 2020
Further to these restrictions in the area, gatherings at indoor areas will be limited to 100 people, while gatherings in outdoor areas will be limited to a maximum capacity of 200 people. Health protocols must also be strictly followed – this includes the wearing of a face mask, constant hand sanitization, and social distancing of at least 1.5 metres.
Additional restrictions on large gatherings in hotspot areas are essential to stop “super-spreader events”. Weddings, funerals and other large gatherings pose a big risk for Covid-19 outbreaks, especially where social distancing and ventilation are difficult. pic.twitter.com/Qejvxfv1To
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 3, 2020
The sale of alcohol will be limited to the hours between 10am and 6pm on Monday-Thursday. The consumption of on-site alcohol at licensed establishments will not be allowed after 10pm.
With regards to travel he said that this carries great risks, so people should reduce the risk by avoiding unnecessary travel.
“The summer season is traditionally a time for social gatherings, attending festivals and events, and socialising at weddings, religious gatherings and in both public and private spaces. These social gatherings can be ‘super-spreader’ events that carry a huge risk of transmission of the virus. Each of us needs to ensure we take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to our families, especially our elders.
“We should keep gatherings small, have them outside or in well ventilated venues, ensure social distancing and wear masks as much as possible. We must remember that as much as we want to relax, this virus does not take a holiday,” he said in his address.
‘So tonight, I am asking you to recommit yourself to this fight. We can still prevent the virus from spreading any further if we take the appropriate steps now.”
Picture: Screenshot from live stream
