South Africa declares new Level 3 lockdown amid COVID-19 surge

Ramaphosa 3

Ramaphosa

President Ramaphosa: announces Level 3 lockdown for COVID-19

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Monday night the country would return to level three lockdown with immediate effect to tackle COVID-19 surge.

“The number of new coronavirus infections is climbing at an unprecedented rate,” Ramaphosa said in his televised address.

More than 50,000 COVID-19 infections have been reported in South Africa since Christmas Eve.

Now outdoor and indoor gatherings which have been identified as super-spreaders are now banned.

Only funerals with only 50 people would be permitted.

“Rapid rise in infections is being fuelled by so-called super-spreader events, including like end-of-year functions, family and social gatherings, and music and cultural events,” he noted.

The sale of alcohol by retailers has also been banned.

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“Reckless behavior due to alcohol intoxication has contributed to increased transmission. Alcohol-related accidents and violence are putting pressure on our hospital emergency units,” Ramaphosa said.

“The liquor industry is a major employer and an important contributor to our economy. Our priority at this time, however, must be to save lives,” he added.

Ramaphosa said a country-wide curfew would be extended from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Businesses such as restaurants and bars would all close at 8 p.m.

These new measures would be in place until Jan. 15.

As of Dec. 28, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa is 1,011,871.

The death toll is 27,071.

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