By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize has confirmed that South Africa’s Covid-19 death toll climbed to 56 077.
His latest statements shows that another 102 people lost their lives to Covid-19 related complications.
There has also been another sharp increase in the number of daily cases – with infections climbing by 4 623 over the 24 hours.
“The number of tests conducted to date is 11 452 185. Of these 45 877 tests were conducted since the last report,” said Mkhize.
Meanwhile speculation that another booze ban could be on the cards ran rife this week, as South Africans braced themselves for another “family meeting” with the president.
There has been a lot of talk around moving South Africa to an adjusted level 2 lockdown to combat the third wave of Covid-19 infections.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa first alluded to the fact that the country will implement stricter lockdown regulations during his working visit to Paris, France, earlier this month when he told France24 that ‘the issue of a lockdown will only be looked at, depending on the severity of this third wave.”
The National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) met on Tuesday to discuss the current Covid-19 situation in the country. It was expected that they would discuss whether or not to move the country to a stricter lockdown level.
Level 2 lockdown rules that could be implemented should there be a “family meeting” this week:
Gatherings
Currently, 250 people or fewer are allowed for indoor venues and 500 people or less for outdoor venues.
If the adjusted lockdown level 2 restrictions are implemented, the size of gatherings could be limited to 50 persons or fewer for faith-based gatherings, conferences and meetings, cinemas, casinos and theatres and weddings.
Social gatherings at your private residence could be limited to 10 people.
Curfew
Currently the curfew is from 12 midnight until 4am. Should South Africa move to an adjusted lockdown level 2, a longer evening curfew could be recommended.
When the country moved to alert level 2 in August 2020, the curfew was from 10pm – 4am. However, in December 2020 the curfew was from 9pm to 6am as South Africa battled the second wave.
Alcohol Sales
During alert level 2 in August 2020, alcohol sales were permitted on certain days between specific times.
Government could possibly implement restricted sales for off-site alcohol consumption should the country move to an adjusted level 2 lockdown.