South Africa moves to Lockdown Level 2: What you need to know

The nationwide lockdown caused by Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on the South African economy. About one million people in Johannesburg are in desperate need of food aid, thanks to harsh restrictions imposed during the past five months. Hours after Minister Dlamini-Zuma announced that the national state of disaster would be extended by 30 days, the president addressed the nation. – Claire Badenhorst."I address you this evening amid signs of hope.".___STEADY_PAYWALL___.Thirsty South Africans and smokers alike rejoiced as President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Saturday evening. Aside from the fact that you can now buy cigarettes and booze from Tuesday, the whole country is moving to Alert level 2. This means that interprovincial travel will also be allowed. ."Now, amidst the signs of hope, we are ready to enter a new phase in our response to the pandemic. And after consultation with provincial and local government, Cabinet has decided to place the entire country on alert level two with effect from midnight on Monday, the 17th of August 2020.".Also see: Booze, tobacco bans lifted as CR tells SA to get back to work – with face masks. Full details.Therefore, the following changes will take place with effect from under level two:.All restrictions on interprovincial travel will be lifted.Accommodation, hospitality venues and tours will be permitted, according to approved protocols.Restaurants, bars, and taverns will be permitted to operate according to approved protocols, as to times of operation and numbers of people.Restrictions on the sale of tobacco will be lifted.The suspension of the sale of alcohol will be lifted subject to certain restrictions. Alcohol will be permitted for onsite consumption in licenced establishments, only up to 10pm. Liquor outlets will be allowed to sell alcohol for offsite consumption from Monday to Thursday during the hours of 9am to 5pm only.Restrictions on family and social visits will also be lifted. Although everyone is urged to exercise extreme caution and undertake such visits that are absolutely necessary..More importantly, moving to level 2 means that economic activity across most industries can finally resume.."The move to level two means that we can remove nearly all of the restrictions on the resumption of economic activity across most industries. Economic activity will be allowed with the necessary and appropriate stringent health protocols and safety precautions in place.".Also see: Faces of Covid-19: Helping the desperate as the economy shrinks. Share your pictures!.Though there are plenty of reasons to celebrate, President Ramaphosa appealed to the nation to use caution where possible. ."Let us continue to exercise the greatest caution and care and remain ever vigilant."."As we ease restrictions, it is necessary that some measures remain in place to limit transmission and protect our health capacity.".Therefore:.Current restrictions on international travel will remain in place.No gatherings of more than 50 people will be permitted. Among others, this includes funerals and religious events.Spectators will not be permitted at sporting events.The curfew will remain in place between the hours of 10pm and 4am.."In order to keep the remaining restrictions in place and to maintain some of the essential elements of our health response, it is necessary that we extend the national state of disaster once again until the 15th of September 2020."."We are weathering a long and difficult storm, but we continue to stand firm against this onslaught. A ray of light is visible now on the horizon."