Oudtshoorn, 29 May 2020 – The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma released new regulations applicable to alert level 3 which are implementable this coming Monday, 1 June 2020.
The Government Communications Information Systems (GCIS) has summarised the regulations as follows:
Greater personal responsibility
- Alert level 3 calls for greater personal responsibility as everyone who enters a work, public space or public transport must wear a cloth face mask.
- Facilities that have been allowed to operate must have sanitisers and screened screen all people entering their premises.
- As more feet are expected to move, people over 60 years of age and those who are suffering from underlying diseases are encouraged to stay at home.
Movement and travelling
- Travel is only allowed to and from work, to buy or obtain goods, services and see medical attention. Garden Route, a district in which Oudtshoorn located has not been listed as a hotspot, travel, therefore will be allowed within the district and the greater Oudtshoorn.
- Travel across provinces, metropolitan areas, districts and hotspots is prohibited. However, persons with relevant permits can travel for purposes of a funeral, starting work moving to a new residence or caring for an immediate family member.
- Travel in between provinces and districts will be allowed only for pupils, students and teaching staff.
Country open for business
- Many more places will now be open and restrictions on movement have been greatly eased.
- Level 3 allows us to open all the productive sectors of our economy, although at a moderate level in some high risk sectors.
- While most people may return to work, there will be limits on the number of people in the workplace.
- Stringent social distancing measures should be implemented in the workplace.
- Domestic air travel will be allowed for business travellers.
Schooling will resume under level 3
- Schooling for grade 7 and 12 has been opened to start on 1 June, depending on the readiness of each school.
- A cautious and phased approach is being taken to reopen schools, which will ensure the health of children and teachers.
- The school calendar will be revised and curriculum trimmed so that the school year can be salvaged.
Religious gatherings may take place under strict conditions
- Religious gatherings are permitted so long as health, hygiene and social distancing is observed.
- A distance of 1.5 metres between a maximum of 50 congregants must be maintained.
- All congregants must wear masks and the washing of hands or sanitisation should be undertaken prior worship.
- Places of worship must be sanitised, and screening of participants is mandatory.
Certain restrictions remain in place
- Our national borders remain closed.
- The on-site consumption places for food, entertainment and recreation will remain closed.
- Restaurants, bars and taverns, shebeens, night clubs, bars, cinemas, theatres, fêtes, bazaars, beaches, public parks, museums and casinos will remain closed.
- Hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, conferences, events, timeshare facilities, resorts and guest houses remain closed.
- Tobacco products will not be sold.
- No person may be evicted from their place of residence regardless of whether it is a formal or informal residence or farm dwelling during this period.
- Male and female initiation practices are still prohibited during this period.
- The sale of liquor will be permitted from 1 June 2020 only between Mondays and Thursdays from 09h00 and 17h00.
Exercising is allowed
- The national curfew is no longer in place, and citizens will be allowed to exercise from 06h00 to 18h00 but not in groups.
- Health protocols and social distancing must be strictly observed.
- Exercise is only allowed as long as it is not done in organised groupings.
- Public training, fitness and recreation facilities remain closed except those conducting non-contact sports matches, without spectators.
Let’s move forward together
- More of our citizens can now return to work to provide for their families.
- Every company will be required to develop a workplace plan before opening.
- Industries are encouraged to adopt a work-from-home strategy where possible, and all staff who can work remotely must be allowed to do so.
- Every business will have to adhere to detailed health and safety protocols to protect their employees.
- Work environments must have sanitisers available or hand washing facilities with soap.
- Workers must be screened everyday, and physical distancing must be observed.
Our actions will determine the fate of our nation
- The most effective defences against the virus are the simplest; everyone must continue to wash hands, sanitise and obey work safety measures.
- By observing the rules and practicing good behaviour we can reduce the number of infections and deaths.
- When traveling to and from work, wear a face mask at all times, maintain a safe distance and reduce contact with others where possible.
- Let us continue to ensure that we protect ourselves and others as we reopen the economy.
- Let us get back to work responsibly and in a way that minimises transmissions