While the country remains on Lockdown Level 3, the prohibitions affecting beaches and parks, alcohol, and places of worship have been eased.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the lifting of several restrictions during an address to the nation on Monday night.
He says Cabinet made the decision based on a significant reduction in new Covid-19 infections.
“We have recorded our lowest daily increase in infections since the beginning of December 2020. In fact, the average rate of new infections has been steadily coming down over the last three weeks, indicating that we have now passed the peak of the second wave”.
The new regulations are already in effect.
They see the curfew shortened to run from 23h00 until 04h00, and the opening of places of worship for up to 50 people.
Restaurants, bars and taverns can serve alcohol again – and wine farms and micro-breweries can trade as normal.
Ramaphosa also announced the lifting of the contentious restrictions on beaches, parks and bottle stores.
“Public places such as beaches, dams, rivers, parks and public swimming pools will be reopened subject to health protocols. Restrictions on the sale of alcohol will be eased. The sale of alcohol by licensed premises for off-site consumption will be permitted from Mondays to Thursdays, from 10h00 to 18h00”.
