Level 4: Everywhere you CAN and CANNOT go ‘until 11 July’

As it stands, many South Africans would have more luck going abroad than they would getting into Gauteng – a scenario which just about sums up the whole sorry situation in this country. Level 4 regulations came into force on Monday morning, and will be in place for at least another two weeks. That’s bad news for a large number of establishments.

Level 4: What places are now closed down?

Fitness freaks, film buffs, and art lovers will all have to find another way to pass the time. Almost all non-essential venues have been closed, and workers in these industries now face a very uncertain time for the remainder of winter.

“Gatherings at bars, restaurants, cinemas, galleries, theatres, gyms, fitness centres, conferencing, exhibitions and entertainment centres will not be operational during this period. Furthermore, gatherings in outdoor spaces – such as beaches, parks and dams – will also be prohibited during this period. After 11 July, the provision will be reviewed.”

“Any person who attends an establishment for in-house services, and who knows or ought to have known or suspected such attendance is prohibited, commits an offence and is, on conviction, liable to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both. Owners of establishments listed in the regulations are urged to ensure compliance.”

Accommodation venues ‘still allowed to operate’

There are, however, some exceptions. South Africans can still spend some time away from their homes, but they will have to visit places that are strictly compliant with COVID-19 health interventions:

• – Hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, timeshare facilities, resorts and guest houses can all operate at Level 4.

• – They will have to do so at 50% capacity of the available rooms for accommodation.

• – Patrons are expected to observe distances of at least 1.5 metres from each other when in common spaces.

• – It’s also worth mentioning that public parks and beaches are open – but no gatherings are allowed here.

You can travel abroad, but inter-provincial movement is limited

So you can’t visit a gym, but you can stay in a hotel. You can’t go to the cinema, but you can still travel abroad. However, going overseas is subject to a shedload of regulations itself. All international travellers have to present certification of a negative COVID-19 test, within 72 hours of departure – failing that, you’ll be subject to an antigen test upon arrival.

You’ll be asked to wear a mask at all times during your journey, and those who have to cross land borders for work and other essential reasons must be screened daily. Gauteng, meanwhile, actually remains off-limits for those living outside the province – making it less accessible than some of our neighbouring nations.