UPDATE: Level 4 lockdown updates from the government
We are still trying to come to terms with the recent Level 4 lockdown amendments, so let's see what the government has updated.
Many of us have had the carpets pulled out from beneath us when it came to the President's address on Sunday evening. Many people are still picking up their jaws, whilst others have had to scurry around making arrangements for their kids and family members, and also readjusting to working from home again.
Many businesses have had to put into play their contingency plans and we commend everyone for working so well, considering the circumstances. Just as that has been rolled out, the South African government has made some updates to the level 4 lockdown regulations.
With the closing of schools today and people having to make amendments to their travel plans, it all came in one go and of course it was disheartening for the liquor traders, who have been trying to make ends meet.
So the following updates can be looked upon as a somewhat sigh of relief for some, especially those in the leisure industry.
"The latest gazette, published on Tuesday (29 June), states that:
- Hotels, lodges, timeshare facilities, resorts, guest houses and bed-and-breakfasts are able to operate at full capacity in terms of rooms available for accommodation, subject to strict adherence to all relevant protocols and related measures.
- The transportation of liquor is now permitted from manufacturing plants to storage facilities, and from any licensed premises for safe-keeping." (Business Tech)
The updates on schools and universities still remain as is, with all closing today, 30 June.
- All students will close from Grade R to Grade 12 today. The same applies for independent schools - for a period of two weeks. With all schools set to reopen on 19 July 2021.
- All teachers and non-teaching staff will be required to complete their administrative duties and close on the 2nd July (this coming Friday).
- Schools that have been serving as vaccination spots can remain open for that purpose only.
- School Nutrition Programmes should continue feeding till 9 July 2021, including the option of providing food parcels to learners. Arrangements should be made for their resumption once schools reopen.
- The winter vacation learner support classes will continue under strict COVID-19 compliance standards (for Grade 11 and 12 pupils). (Business Tech)
In terms of travel updates, nothing has been officially placed in the gazette by the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, but the following was put forth in a media briefing on Tuesday:
- The curfew is still in place, between 9 pm and 4 am, of course with an exception for emergencies and essential workers.
- Roadblocks have been put in place for anyone who is travelling for leisure to and from Gauteng.
- Restrictions on the 70% loading capacity for public transport remain for long-distance travel (0ver 200km). 100% capacity for short-distance travel is still permitted.
- The international travel ban is still in place, however an exception has been made on the curfew for long-haul flight departures and landings.
- The following airports are the only ones allowed to permit international air travel -
- OR Tambo International Airport
- King Shaka International Airport,
- Cape Town International Airport
- Lanseria International Airport
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
Hopefully these updates have helped you in some way, especially if you have kids in school and also if you are in the leisure and liquor industry.
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