[imagesource:here]

From Monday, September 21, we will enter into what President Ramaphosa called “the new normal” in his address to the nation last night.

The ‘new normal’, as he pointed out, means “living alongside the virus”, as South Africa moves to alert level 1.

It’s an important reminder that despite the “gradual, but steady decline in new infections, hospitalisations and deaths” over the last month, this isn’t the time to retire the masks and hand sanitiser to the back of the junk drawer.

Per the Daily Maverick, certain restrictions are still in place which can only be mandated during a state of disaster, which has been extended to October 15:

South Africa recorded 1,923 new Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours to Wednesday night, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 653,444, with 15,705 deaths and a recovery rate of 89.4%.

Here’s a breakdown of the new regulations:

Image: SA National Government/ Twitter

Image: SA National Government/ Twitter

Image: SA National Government/ Twitter

Image: SA National Government/ Twitter

Image: SA National Government/ Twitter

Image: SA National Government/ Twitter

Image: SA National Government/ Twitter

A few other key points:

Existing restrictions on sporting events will remain, meaning amateur and professional sports will be permitted but without spectators. The president did not mention whether nightclubs could reopen or whether initiation schools can resume operating. Both have been prohibited since the lockdown began in March.

The state recently announced new regulations permitting visits to old age homes and correctional centres under strict conditions, but visiting patients in medical facilities is likely to remain prohibited under Level 1.

Further details of the alert level 1 lockdown regulations will be revealed when they are gazetted in the next few days.

Wear your mask, wash your hands, and enjoy your new freedoms (safely).

[source:dailymaverick]