South Africa set to open for business as COVID-19 rules are further relaxed

South Africa is moving to level 3 lockdown from June 1.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that alcohol will be sold for domestic consumption and on specified days. Tobacco sales remain prohibited.

The President says exercise will be allowed and will no longer be restricted to specific times.

"As we enter the next stage of our #COVID19SA response, government will focus on careful monitoring, dealing with hotspot areas & measures to protect frontline workers & the most vulnerable members of society." – President Ramaphosa pic.twitter.com/s8DIuZH4NF

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) May 24, 2020

Group gatherings remain banned, except for funerals. However the number of mourners should not exceed 50.

"South Africa will be placed on #AlertLevel3 from 01 June 2020, this means that all economic activity is allowed to resume with some exception." – President Ramaphosa #COVID19SA pic.twitter.com/1TvSP5WHOd

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) May 24, 2020

The President has also confirmed that schools will reopen from next month. This as concerns remain over the risk this poses to learners.

"We are therefore taking a cautious and phased approach to the re-opening of schools, guided by medical advice and in consultation with all stakeholders. We will be resuming classes for grades 7 and 12 learners from 1 June." – President Ramaphosa #COVID19SA pic.twitter.com/0OmKG45wcU

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) May 24, 2020

Earlier, the Educators Union of South Africa (EUSA) called for schools to reopen in September as temperatures will be higher and therefore provide a better climate to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

The union has served the Basic Education Department with legal papers, saying it intends to interdict the opening of schools.

Grade 7 and 12 learners are set to return on the proposed date as announced by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.

Ramaphosa says 429 people have now died from coronavirus and that the number of infections now stands at 22 583. He says 128 people are in intensive care with COVID-19 – the disease caused by the coronavirus.

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The President says some areas will be declared coronavirus hotspots and will require special attention.

All borders remain closed except for transportation of goods and repatriation of citizens.