South Africa Reimposes Lockdown As COVID-19 Cases Top 1m

South Africa on Monday announced new lockdown directive as the country’s COVID-19 cases exceeded one million.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who gave the fresh directive at a briefing on Monday said cabinet had resolved to place the country on an adjusted level three from level one with immediate effect.

The level three restrictions include extension of curfew time from 9pm to 6am; ban on indoor and outdoor gatherings for the next two weeks; shutdown of businesses involved in the sale of alcohol; and prosecution of persons arrested for flouting the rule on compulsory wearing of face masks.

“All indoor and outdoor gatherings will be prohibited for 14 days from the date hereof, except for funerals and other limited exceptions as detailed in the regulations, such as restaurants, museums, gyms and casinos,” Ramaphosa said.

The president also disclosed that anyone who fails to wear a mask could be apprehended and prosecuted, adding that if such persons are convicted, they will have the option to either pay a fine or go to prison for a period not more than six months or could pay a fine and still be Jailed.

He said Night clubs and businesses that engage in the sale and transportation of liquor and alcohol will be shut down.

Ramaphosa said the level three restrictions will continue until 15 January, 2021.

“In effect, the adjusted level three regulations will keep the economy open while strengthening measures to reduce transmission. With a few exceptions, businesses may continue to operate as long as all relevant health protocols and social distancing measures are adhered to.” He said

The country has now reported 1,004,413 infections — the highest in Africa — after recording 9,502 new cases on Sunday.

Zwelini Mkhize, the country’s health minister, who confirmed the development, added that over 800,000 patients had recovered.

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“Today, we have breached one million cumulative cases of COVID-19 in South Africa, with a cumulative of 1,004,413 cases reported. A cumulative of 6,445,318 tests have been conducted with 29,494 tests completed since the last report,” he said.