5 weeks after the announcement that South Africa would enter an adjusted level 3 lockdown on 28 Dec, President Ramaphosa addressed the nation to convey the latest developments in our nation’s fight against COVID-19. It also marks the day that the country acquires its first consignment of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, of which restaurant workers will be able to receive in stage two of the rollout.

In the address on 1 February, the president announced the following changes to the regulations:

• Restaurants will be able to sell alcohol for on-consumption from 10am – 10pm. This is a major relief for those restaurants with a liquor licence and whose revenue relies heavily on the sale of alcohol.
• The hours of the curfew will be from 11pm – 4am. This will allow restaurants to operate a full and substantial dinner service which aligns with the social behaviour of diners.
• Wine farms, distilleries and breweries will be able to sell alcohol for off-consumption during their their normal trading hours.
• The retail sale of alcohol will be permitted from Monday to Thursday 10am – 6pm.
• Religious gatherings will be permitted  and funerals should not have more than 50 people.
• Public beaches and parks will be reopened subject to health protocols.

A reminder: It remains mandatory for masks to still be worn at all times in public spaces and social distancing to be maintained.

The above changes will take effect once they have been gazetted by government.