CAPE TOWN - South Africa will move to alert level 2 on Monday with major relaxation to regulations including the lifting of the ban on cigarettes and alcohol.
The announcement was made by President Cyril Ramaphosa in a live televised address to the nation on Saturday night.
"As South Africa moves to lockdown Level 2 on August 18, prohibitions on the sale of alcohol & tobacco products will be lifted. Gyms & fitness centres will be permitted to reopen. Appropriate restrictions & safety precautions will apply to protect public health," said Ramaphosa.
"Under Level 2 of the nationwide lockdown, leisure travel between provinces will once again be permitted. Small social gatherings can also take place, with appropriate precautions & hygiene protocols to minimise coronavirus transmission," he said.
Ramaphosa said while the move to Level 2 allows for the easing of certain lockdown regulations, a number of restrictions must remain in place to protect public health & prevent a resurgence of infections. This includes a nightly curfew between 10pm and 4am.
President @CyrilRamaphosa addresses the nation on Government's response to the #COVID19 pandemic #CoronaVirusSA #StaySafe https://t.co/nNNNDH0r9M
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 15, 2020
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