South Africa is officially in its third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the latest Delta variant being dominant in the country. As such, South Africa will, with effect from tomorrow (June 28), move into an adjusted alert Level 4 lockdown.

This was announced in another ‘family meeting’ tonight (June 27) by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

He noted that the alert level would be revised towards the end of the 14-day period – depending on the circumstances at that time.

Vaccination roll-out ramped up

Ramaphosa emphasised that there was evidence that the vaccines being used in South Africa were effective against the Delta variant. “The scientific evidence before us shows that vaccines work. They are safe. They are effective, and they save lives.”

He said the vaccination roll-out had been ramped up, with 2.7 million South Africans having already received the vaccine as of midnight on Saturday (June 26). Last week saw 100 000 people vaccinated.

Over the last three days, South Africa has received a further 1.2 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as well as an additional 1.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

The new restrictions include:

• Travelling to and from Gauteng – currently the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting for more than 60% of the cases – for leisure will be prohibited, but other travelling and transport of goods and services will continue. Work, business or commercial travel will be permitted as will transit through airports.
• Residents currently outside the province will be allowed to return.
• Beaches and parks will be open but gatherings in these areas not be permitted.
• No gatherings will be permitted over the 14-day period, which includes business and leisure events.
• The off- and on-site sale of alcohol will not be permitted.
• Restaurants will only be allowed to sell take-away food – no sit-downs are allowed.