These restrictions remain in place under Level 2 lockdown

South Africa moves to level 2 lockdown from midnight on Monday, August 17 ushering in a number of relaxations on restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, however, pointed out that there are still several restrictions that South Africans need to take note of to ensure the fight against Covid-19 is won.

Here’s what you still can’t do:

Religious gatherings and funerals

Funerals and religious gatherings remain restricted to 50 people and no spectators will be allowed at sporting events.

Curfew and remember to wear a mask

The curfew remains in place between 10 pm and 4 am daily and wearing a mask remains mandatory.

International travel

Borders remain closed for the public.

Restrictions lifted under lockdown level 2

All restrictions on inter-provincial travel will be lifted.

Local holidays are now allowed. Accommodation for leisure purposes is permitted and hospitality venues and tours will be allowed to operate according to approved protocols to ensure social distancing.

Alcohol sale

Alcohol will be permitted for on-site consumption in licensed establishments until 10 pm daily. Liquor outlets will once again be allowed to sell alcohol from Monday to Thursday between 9 am and 5 pm.

Restaurants, bars and taverns will be permitted to operate according to approved protocols. The times of operation and numbers of people that will be allowed in any establishment will be limited.

Cigarettes sale

Restrictions on the sale of tobacco will be lifted after five months, bringing some relief to smokers who have been forking out hundreds of rands on illicit cigarettes.

Restrictions on family and social visits will also be lifted, although everyone is urged to exercise extreme caution and undertake such visits only if necessary.

President Ramaphosa warned South Africans to continue observing the prescribed safety precautions even as Covid-19 cases are beginning to decline.

In this way, we can ensure that relaxing lockdown restrictions will not cause a surge in new infections, said Ramaphosa.