Alcohol Ban Is Back For Easter Weekend

The Easter weekend is days away and Government has had to make some changes to the lockdown restrictions, which includes an alcohol ban. Fears of a third wave are now emerging.

With the Easter weekend ahead and fears of it being behind a third wave of infections, Government has now announced some restrictions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the sale of alcohol for off site consumption will be prohibited this Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

The on-site sale of alcohol at restaurants, shebeens and bars will be allowed until 11PM.

Another change to the restrictions for this Easter weekend is that religious gatherings over the Easter weekend are restricted to a maximum of 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors. This is an increase from the current numbers.

If the venue is too small to accommodate the safety protocols, then no more than 50% of the venue's capacity can be used. 

For the second year in a row, we will have to limit our interactions, especially during this Easter period.

- President Cyril Ramaphosa

The good news is that the country will stay on alert level 1 and the curfew remains the same which is from midnight to 4AM.

Public spaces such as beaches, dams and parks, will remain open. Members of the public have to of course be observing social distancing and mask wearing.

Funerals are allowed to have a maximum of 100 people attending and there is a 2 hour service limit.

Inter-provincial travel is still permitted however, the President urges all South Africans to limit travel as much as possible and to observe health protocols if they do.

Citizens are also urged to avoid gatherings if they are in a vulnerable or high risk group. 

Ramaphosa recommends that gatherings take place outdoors.

.. we cannot let our guard down

Fears of a third wave are now emerging and many predict that Easter weekend along with the start of Ramadaan will trigger it.

RELATED: Phase 2 of Vaccine Rollout To Commence In May

READ THE PRESIDENT'S FULL SPEECH HERE