President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has announced that more Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted on Wednesday.
For months, the majority of the country has been open for business, and the most recent developments will see the return of popular social events and increased commercial activity.
According to President Ramaphosa, local research reveals that 60-80 percent of the population is immune to Covid-19, either from previous illness or immunisation.
As a result, he claims, the government is working to reopen some industries and make it easier for civilians to wear masks.
The new regulations will allow stadiums, theatres, and music venues to reopen to the public, which is expected to assist the sports, tourist, and arts industries recover.
Venues must ensure that patrons have been vaccinated or show documentation of a negative test taken within 72 hours, and that crowds do not exceed 50% of a venue’s capacity.
International visitors would still need to present a negative PCR test or confirmation of immunisation when they arrive in the country, according to Ramaphosa.
Travellers who choose to be vaccinated upon arrival will have access to vaccination facilities.
Masks will only be required in enclosed spaces from now on.
The president stated that the country was moving away from a disaster response and instead relying on health protocols to deal with Covid-19.
The government plans to introduce new legislation next month that will, among other things, eliminate forced self-isolation for asymptomatic people.
The new legislation will be accessible for public comment until April 15th, and it will be part of the country’s long-term strategy for dealing with coronavirus.
On September 13, 2021, News Central reported that South Africa eased COVID-19 restrictions and shorten its nationwide curfew due to a surge in cases at that time.