South Africa moved to alert level 1 as infection figures drop

As a result of a decrease in infection rate and death toll, South Africa has proceeded from alert level 3  of the lockdown to alert level 1 from Sunday evening.

President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement during a national address on Sunday evening attributing the decrease to a combination of factors including observing health protocols and the vaccination programme that kicked in last week.

Ramaphosa said although the country’s regulations would be eased, “it did not mean that safety precautions were to be neglected by the country’s citizens”.  He said the easing of restrictions would bring much economic relief to the country.

The curfew has now been  shorted as it will commence at 12pm and end  4am.  The cabinet has also eased  regulations on  gatherings including  political and religious. The size of gatherings has increased to 100 people  for indoor events  and 250 outdoors. In smaller venues not more than 50% of the capacity  would be allowed.

Alcohol sales will return to regular hours, Ramaphosa said. However, no trading will be allowed during curfew hours.

The president  warned that night vigils were still not permitted and urged citizens to continue wearing their masks as failure to do so is still a criminal offence.

Ramaphosa said citizens should not let their guard down because of the ease of restrictions as the threat of third wave is still real.

“The threat of the third wave is consistent,” Ramaphosa said.

He said the country’s actions would determine of the South Africa were to experience a resurgence.

Speaking on the Coronvarius vaccine, Ramaphosa said more  than 67,000 workers on the front line have been vaccinated so far.

A new batch of 80,000 of Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrived in the country on Saturday. “The campaign has gone extremely well ... if we work together. All provinces have established vaccination sites and the number of sites available would be expanded from 17 to 49 and 32 would be in public hospital,” said Ramaphosa.

He said phase two of the vaccination would start in late April in early May and this will include elderly.

Since the first Covid-19 case was reported in South Africa one year ago,  it has claimed closed to 50,000 lives and more than one million  people have tested positive.

Scores have lost jobs as many companies could not cope and close shop. Travelling and schools were also interrupted by the pandemic.

DispatchLIVE