MINISTER DLAMINI ZUMA GAZETTES COVID-19 ADJUSTED ALERT LEVEL 3 REGULATIONS- 25 JULY 2021

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma designated under section 3 and 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), has gazetted a notice which moves the country to Adjusted Level 3 as announced by the President on 25 July 2021.

Our Risk-Adjusted Strategy for managing the pandemic always sought to ensure that we respond proportionally to secure lives and livelihoods. The third wave and the Delta variant have led to a massive surge in new infections, but the third wave is now showing some signs of decline. The decline in new infections means the measures are effective. This however does not mean that we should be complacent. It is now time to work together to ensure that we ramp up vaccinations, whilst we continue to observe all non-pharmaceutical interventions against Covid.

The decision of Cabinet to move the country to Alert Level 3 is meant to ensure an appropriate and proportionate response to the current situation. Our priority is still to break the chain of transmission by reducing person-to-person contact and thereby help to flatten the curve.

It is important for all persons, businesses, organisations and all levels of community structures to ensure compliance and adherence to the regulations in an effort to save lives. The owners and managers of public buildings, centres, shops, restaurants, taxis and buses all have a responsibility to ensure that people on their premises or in their vehicles adhere to appropriate social distancing and wear masks that cover their nose and mouth.

It is important to remember that we all have the responsibility to implement the regulations. It is important to note that it is a criminal offence to have people on-premises exceeding the maximum number of customers or employees allowed as per the regulations. Let’s continue to be cautious and adhere to all non-pharmaceutical interventions.