First easing of measures announced

24 Apr 2020 / South Africa

Yesterday evening (23 April), South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that some of the measures of the nationwide lockdown in force since March will be eased from 1 May.

The easing of restrictions will focus on reviving economic activity. However, stringent public health and safety measures would remain in place for sectors identified to resume some business activities. For the public at large, and for those with underlying conditions, lockdown regulations, will continue still apply if they do not work in a sector that will be allowed to partially reopen.

A strategy has been developed whereby the country, provinces, districts and metros will be classified on a five-level risk scale - one being low risk to five being the highest risk level - which will determine the restrictions in place at any given time. The country will move to Level 4 as of 1 May.

The international travel ban implemented on 15 March will remain in place, and travel between provinces will still be restricted, other than for the transportation of essential goods, or funerals. Public transport will continue to operate, with limitations on the number of passengers and stringent hygiene requirements, including that all passengers must wear a face mask.

The partial resumption of economic activity will be based on analysis of risk levels in each separate sector. Sector bodies will be asked in the coming week to provide input.

For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in South Africa, contact GAC South Africa at [email protected]

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