All you need to know about Alert Level 1

Many regulations gazetted during the national state of disaster have changed now that South Africa has moved to Coronavirus Alert Level 1.

Despite changes to the regulations, all health protocols, such as wearing masks, social distancing and washing or sanitising hands remain in place.

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, recently provided details of the regulations that have changed.

What is allowed?

• Curfew is from midnight to 4am.
• Alcohol sales at retail outlets: Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
• Alcohol is permitted for on-site consumption at licensed establishments only and with strict adherence to curfew.
• Travel into and out of South Africa is allowed from 1 October, subject to certain restrictions.
• South African missions abroad will open for visa applications and all long-term visas will be reinstated.
• Social, religious, political and other gatherings are allowed. The number of people must not be more than 50 percent of the venue’s capacity. Also, only 250 people are allowed at indoor gatherings and 500 at outdoor gatherings. 
• The number of people attending funerals has increased from 50 to 100, but not more than 50 percent of the venue’s capacity.
• Hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, timeshare facilities, resorts and guest houses: Not more than 50 percent capacity.
• Bars, taverns, shebeens: Not more than 50 percent capacity.
• Retail stores: Not more than 50 percent capacity.
• Casinos: Not more than 50 percent capacity.
• Exercise, recreation and entertainment venues: Not more than 50 percent capacity.

What is not allowed?

• Night vigils are not allowed.
• Nightclubs remain closed.
• No spectators at sports events.
• No international sports events.
• Male and female initiation practices are not allowed.
• A person may not be evicted from his or her land or home or have his or her place of residence demolished for the duration of the national state of disaster, unless a competent court has granted an order authorising the eviction or demolition.
• All visits by members of the public to correctional centres; remand detention facilities; police holding cells; military detention facilities; health establishments and facilities, except to receive treatment or medication; and older persons' residential facilities are prohibited. The Independent Electoral Commission can visit these centres for voter registration or special voting.