Level 2 incoming? Cabinet considering ‘lighter lockdown restrictions’

Something is definitely brewing in Cabinet: Discussions about lifting the alcohol ban have been well publicised in the past 24 hours or so – but it seems these talks are indicative of something bigger. We understand that several restrictions are now likely to be lifted alongside liquor prohibition – and South Africa could move into Level 2 of lockdown.

Will South Africa move to Level 2 lockdown this week? It’s up for discussion…

The country has been rooted in Level 3 restrictions since the end of December: A soaring infection rate and the spread of an infamous new variant put South Africa on the brink of disaster. But, just five weeks later, everything from new cases to hospitalisations are plummeting fast – and the government is likely to seize upon this opportunity.

Sunday Times has reported that Cabinet is poised to ease Covid-19 restrictions, which WILL see the country move to alert Level 2. That means the following laws would be altered:

• Curfew hours are up for discussion, as the pressure to ease the nightly shutdown increases.
• As proved to be a major sticking point this weekend, it’s likely that beaches will reopen in certain areas.
• Alongside this, the list of ‘hot-spot regions’ is also likely to be revised.
• And, of course, the alcohol ban is set to run its course and finish ‘at some point in the next week’.
• As we reported earlier today, several restrictions could now be lifted ‘earlier than first thought‘.

Alcohol ban, curfew, and beach rules ‘under review’

Political analyst, Professor Dirk Kotze, also believes that a march to Level 2 is on the cards. He went one step further and speculated that there would be ‘bigger interventions’ on the horizon for the tourism industry.

“I definitely think there’s going to be loosening of some of these restrictions. There’s lots of discussion about the selling of alcohol. I think the issue about the curfew will be discussed also, it might be changed to later and shorter hours for the curfew.”

“The hotspots will most probably be addressed, the opening of beaches and how to make possible for especially the tourism industry because they were affected by these restrictions, how to be able to kick start that again.”

Dirk Kotze