It appears that authorities have had a big rethink since this morning, because some very stringent lockdown measures have just been announced.

During the security cluster briefing this evening, police minister Bheki Cele walked back many of the statements made this morning by our Minister of Health, Dr. Zweli Mkhize.

Here’s BusinessTech:

South Africans will not be able to purchase alcohol or walk their dogs during the lockdown period…

Cele said that the decision was made to protect South Africans and encourage social distancing as he announced a number of other prohibitions.

“There shall be no food at restaurants. There is no need to be on the road. There is no need to move around. There was a little bit of a story earlier on that you can walk your dogs. There shall be no dogs that will be walked,” said Cele.

There shall be no movement of alcohol during the lockdown period, said Cele.

He added that if people wanted to walk their dogs, they could do so around the house.

To be clear, no walking your dog out and about.

Oh, and no jogging. Sorry, people – get a home workout routine sorted, or wallow at home like the rest of us.

Also, no purchasing of wine from your local Pick n Pay or TOPS at SPAR. Whatever you have at home will have to last the full lockdown, friends.

More on that:

Buying and transporting alcohol has also been prohibited, said Cele. “The movement of the alcohol or liquor can be restricted. There shall be no movement of liquor. If we find liquor in your boot, that is illegal,” said Cele.

Strict punishment will be in place for transgressors, including fines or imprisonment of up to six months.

For our comprehensive list of information surrounding the lockdown, head here.

It is a lockdown, after all, and these steps are in place to save lives down the line.

Let’s all pull in the same direction, and obey the laws put in place.

[source:businesstech]