President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday moved South Africa back to “Alert Level Three” amid a surge of new infections that have seen 791 people die of Covid-19 in the last seven days.
“In view of the rising infections, we have therefore decided to move the country to Alert Level 3,” said Ramaphosa in his address on Tuesday night.
“This will take effect later this evening once the regulations have been gazetted.”
Nearly all provinces are experiencing a surge in infections except the Northern Cape as the third wave sweeps through the country.
Ramaphosa said the curfew would now be from 10pm to 4am and there would be tighter restrictions on gatherings.
People who are gathering indoors may not exceed 50. Outside gatherings have been limited to 100.
Bars and restaurants must close by 9pm and alcohol sales for off-site consumption is now restricted to between 10am and 6pm from Monday to Thursday.
He warned that breaking the Covid-19 prevention regulations remained a criminal offence.
Ramaphosa said the vaccination programme was continuing and he would want to see at least 300 000 people vaccinated a day.
The president said the 2 million vaccine doses that were destroyed will be replaced by the end of the month.
“This pandemic will pass, but it is up to us on how long it will last,” said Ramaphosa.
