President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa will move to an adjusted Level 3 Lockdown as of midnight on December 28 until January 15 2021. The adjustments to some regulations serve to strengthen the lockdown as Covid-19 infections have surged to over one million reported cases. The risk adjusted lockdown aims to minimise superspreader events and decrease unsafe interactions. Ramaphosa added that the restrictions imposed on alcohol and social gatherings are an important part of flattening the curve to protect the resources in our healthcare system as medical staff are taking strain and hospitals are filling up quickly. The list of hotspots has been increased and travel to these areas has been strongly discouraged. In closing, the president asked South Africans to celebrate New Year’s Eve differently this year, at home with their closest family members, instead of going to parties. He asked that instead of firecrackers, people should light candles at midnight in memory of those who have lost their lives and in tribute to healthcare workers.
