DURBAN - From Friday, May 1, South Africa will enter lockdown level four, which means that the stringent lockdown regulations of the past five weeks will be eased. Cigarette sales will be permitted and so will outdoor exercise under strict conditions.
In his address President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country would implement a partial easing of the current Covid-19 lockdown after April 30, to spare the economy and save jobs.
“Beyond Thursday the 30th of April we will implement a risk adjusted strategy to take a deliberate and cautious approach to ease lockdown restrictions. Some businesses would be allowed to resume operations under specific conditions. The return of the workforce will be no more than one-third per business. A work from home strategy is still encouraged," he said.
Ramaphosa: "As we ease restriction, we are increasing our public healthcare response. When you live your house, wear a mask. Every business will have to adhere to detailed health and safety protocols to protect their employees, and workplace plans will be put in place to enable disease surveillance and prevent the spread of infection."
What does the easing of lockdown restrictions to level four mean:
You'll be able to buy non-essential items from stores already open to sell food – but not alcohol.
- The sale of cigarettes will be permitted.
Postal delivery will resume.
E-hailing and taxis will be allowed at any time, but with limits on how many passengers each may carry.
Industries to reopen include: agriculture (including wine-making), open-cast mining, and all financial and professional services.
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