Lockdown Level 2
Note: This information was correct at the time of writing, being based on the Government’s related media releases.
Today (18/08/2020) is the first day that South Africa has dropped down to lockdown level 2 out of 5. But what does this actually mean? In today’s blog we shall outline the new changes and provide a summary table of what changed between each level of lockdown.
Level 2
Travel and Accommodation
For the first time since 27 March 2020, people living in South Africa are allowed to travel between provinces for leisure purposes. This relaxation comes at the same time as the removal of the limit to the range of accommodation facilities which can be used, meaning that those of you in the hospitality sector can once again welcome nationwide guests.
Gatherings
Under level 2, provided that you observe the Government Regulations on social distancing and health protocols, a number of gatherings are now permitted. This further expands the number of businesses that are able to operate under level 2. You can read the full list of permitted gatherings in section 55 of the Government gazette, but we have picked out a handful of the most relevant ones below:
- Accommodation establishments and tour operators (up to 50% of available floor space, with patrons at least 1.5 metres apart)
- Bars, taverns, shebeens and similar establishments (up to 50 people)
- Concerts and live performances (up to 50 people)
- Tourist attractions
- Gyms, subject to guidelines (up to 50 people)
- Swimming pools (up to 50 people)
- Sports grounds and fields
- Beaches and public parks
Sale of Alcohol and Cigarettes
The Government has relaxed its stance on the sale of alcohol, meaning that bars, restaurants and other institutions with a license to sell alcohol on-site can again do so, provided strict adherence to the 10pm curfew.
Additionally, alcohol can now be sold in shops between the hours of 9am to 5pm. Cigarettes may also now be sold in shops.
Businesses that must Remain Closed
Despite the majority of businesses, there are a number which must remain closed at this moment under level 2. These are:
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- Night clubs
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- International passenger air travel for leisure purposes
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- Passenger ships for international leisure purposes
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- Attendance of any sporting event by spectators
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- International sports events
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- Exclusions relating to public transport services as set out in the directions issued by the Cabinet member responsible for transport
Comparative Table of Lockdown Levels
Below is a comparative table between lockdown levels 5 to 2. If changes were made within the period of a certain lockdown level, the changed position will be recorded within the table. For a more detailed evaluation of the level, you can click on the link at the head of each column.
| Lockdown Level | Five (5) | Four (4) | Three (3) | Two (2) |
| Effective Date | 27/03/2020 | 01/05/2020 | 01/06/2020 | 17/08/2020 |
| Shopping | Food, medicine and healthcare only | Food, medicine, healthcare and limited others | Most shopping reopened, but alcohol and tobacco sales remain prohibited | Majority of shopping reopened |
| Travel | None, except essential | None, except essential and for business | Business travel and Intra-provincial leisure travel | All Inter-provincial travel, including domestic flights |
| Permitted Gatherings | None, except for funerals | Funerals, workplaces and obtaining certain goods and services | A large number of gatherings permitted, subject to conditions | A large number of gatherings permitted, including amateur sport and small social events |
| Public Spaces | Closed | Limited number open, e.g. exercise permitted between 6 – 9am | Limited number open for activities e.g. exercise between 6:00 – 18:00 | Open, subject to the Minister announcing closure and adherence with health protocols |
| Workplaces | Open for the provision of Food, medicine and healthcare only | Open for the provision of Infrastructure, manufacturing and food, as well as some other services. | Majority reopened, except for some accommodation establishments and nightclubs | Majority reopened |
| Leisure | None | None | Large number of services reopened within provinces, minus gyms, sports facilities, beaches and others | Majority of services reopened, minus nightclubs, spectating live sport and limited others |
We hope that you have found the above information useful. If you have any questions on how the information above relates to SimplePay, please feel free to contact us at info@simplepay.co.za.
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Keep well and stay safe.
Team SimplePay