Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister has urged citizens to be cautious and abide by the Alert Level 1 COVID-19 regulations over the Easter weekend.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday announced that Cabinet had decided to keep the country on Coronavirus Alert Level 1, however, with a few adjustments.
The President said the Easter weekend is a time of spiritual significance and attending religious services is vital to millions of Christians. “For Christians, congregational worship is an important part of celebrating Easter.
Following consultation, it was decided that religious gatherings over this period be restricted to a maximum of two hundred and fifty people indoors and five hundred people outdoors. In a situation where venues are too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, only 50% of the capacity of the venue may be used.
In regulations gazetted this week, in line with the adjustments, it is compulsory for every person to observe curfew time from midnight until 4am daily, unless a person is in possession of a permit. The minister emphasised that industries, communities, businesses and entities, both public and in the private sector, must operate within the Alert Level 1 regulations.
Between Friday and Monday, the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption will be prohibited. On the other hand, on-site sales at shebeens, restaurants, and bars will be allowed, according to licensing conditions, up until 11pm. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Minister emphasised that even though provisions have been made for gatherings, South Africans are urged to avoid them. This includes those with co-morbidities and the elderly.
“It is important to note that even as the country remains at Alert level 1 during the Easter period, government urges everyone to be extremely cautious and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from possible COVID-19 infection.
Funerals are still limited to one hundred people and are required to last a maximum of two hours. The regulations also indicate that all people attending gatherings, including faith-based ones, should endeavour to limit exposure to COVID-19 by adhering to all protocols and regulations. Congregants are urged not to gather outside their usual places of worship, and people must go home and not sleep over after services.