CAPE TOWN- The ban has been lifted for a number of leisure activities in South Africa such as gatherings at restaurants, casinos, cinemas, museums, and libraries. However, these sectors may not open yet and have to wait for sector-specific safety protocols which will be published by the government.
Co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma gazetted the amendments which came into immediate effect as of 11 pm on Thursday.
The sale of cigarettes remains prohibited while the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (Fita) waits for judgment in the case it brought against the government.
The gazette outlined the following amendments to Advanced Level 3 of lockdown, subject to a strict adherence to all health protocols and social distancing measures:
Restaurants:
Restaurants may welcome back diners, but they may not serve alcoholic beverages. All gatherings are subject to strict health protocols and social distancing measures.
Cinemas
With a limitation of 50 people, cinemas may reopen and customers can book their tickets through an online booking system.
Casinos
Casinos may operate subject to a restriction on the number of persons permitted or 50 percent of the available floor space. Patrons will be allowed to observe from a distance of least one and a half metres.
Theatres
There is a limitation of 50 people permitted into a theatre, and the maximum number of crew allowed to work is 15. This rule includes people who make use of live streaming or recording for distribution on digital platforms.
Other public facilities
Museums, galleries, libraries and archives may reopen to the public subject to a limitation of 50 people.
Interprovincial travel
Travelling between provinces remains banned under Alert Level. However, there are exceptions for those travelling for work who have a permit, those moving houses, caring for an immediate family member, members of Parliament, learners or students travelling to their institutions, or those attending a funeral.
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