President Cyril Ramaphosa made a TV appearance on eNCA this evening and announced the government’s response to the rapidly surging numbers in the Eastern Cape. 

The Nelson Mandela Bay District is officially declared a “hotspot” and has been singled out for a set of additional restrictions to the existing Level 1 rules, with effect from midnight tonight. 

*The curfew will now be in force from 22h00 until 04h00 every night. 

*Retail alcohol sales will be restricted to the period 10h00 to 18h00, Monday to Thursday only. 

*Alcohol consumption in public places, like on beaches or in parks, is prohibited. 

*Gatherings of all types, including religious gatherings, are restricted to 100 people indoors, and 250 people outdoors. 

*Attendance at venues is restricted to 50% of the carrying capacity of the venue. 

*Parties after funerals are prohibited. 

The Minister of Health,  Dr Zwelini Mkhize, will shortly visit the Sara Baartman District (which surrounds Nelson Mandela Bay District) and the Garden Route District (which extends from Barrydale to slightly East of Plettenberg Bay, reaching North to Prince Albert). The purpose of his visit is to determine what, if any additional measures will be needed in those districts. 

The President added that he will be looking to law enforcement officials to police compliance with the existing regulations throughout the country. 

He announced that the State of Disaster is extended until January 15 2021.