President Cyril Ramaphosa has pleaded with South Africans to stand together and to hold back the third wave

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved the country to adjusted Level 2 from today. As part of the regulations that kicked in at midnight, indoor gatherings have been reduced from 250 to 100, outdoor events will now accommodate 250 people instead of 500, or 50% of their capacity, if the venue is too small.

On Saturday, the country recorded 4 519 new Covid-19 cases. The curfew now starts at 11pm and ends at 4am. Funerals will only be allowed to have 100 people in attendance and should only go on for 2 hours. Night vigils are still not allowed.

Restaurants, bars and gyms will close by 10pm so workers can travel home. President Ramaphosa says Covid-19 cases have been rapidly rising in the country, due to social gatherings, and people not adhering to the health protocols. Department of Health data showed there was a 17% increase in hospitalisations this week compared to the week before.

The President has urged all South Africans to protect ourselves, our families and our communities until we are all vaccinated. He has pleaded with South Africans to stand together and to hold back back the third wave.

Meanwhile the Western Cape’s vaccine plan is moving forward. As more vaccines arrive in the province, the Western Cape will be able to open more sites and vaccinate more people. Read Premier Winde’s statement HERE

Liesl Smit
Liesl Smit
Liesl is the Smile 90.4FM News Manager. She has been at Smile since 2016, with nearly 20 years experience in the radio industry, including reading news, field reporting and producing. In 2008 she won the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Award, Western Cape region. liesl@smile904.fm

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