Lockdown Do’s And Don’ts To Adhere To In South Africa To Avoid Prison

There are a couple of lockdowns do’s and don ts that we must adhere to.

‌Police Minister Bheki Cele has warned any person who contravenes the regulations of the nationwide lockdown do’s and don’ts from midnight on Thursday will be guilty of a criminal offence and will be liable to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or both.

During a briefing on Wednesday, members of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster clarified what residents would be allowed to do and what has been prohibited during the lockdown which aims to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Lockdown Do’s And Don’ts To Adhere To In South Africa To Avoid Prison

We have compiled a list of what you can and cannot do.

Allowed:

1‌. You will be allowed to collect social grants.
2. You will be allowed to buy food.
3. You will be allowed to seek medical attention.
4. You will be able to visit the pharmacy for medicine.

Prohibited:

1. Citizens won’t be allowed to leave their homes except for necessary movement, including shopping for groceries, medicine or medical care, attending funerals and collecting social grants.

2. Any place or premise normally open to the public where religious, culture, sporting, entertainment, recreational or exhibition events happen are prohibited. The lockdown do’s and don’ts have been met with mixed reactions.

3. Locations where goods, other than essential goods, are acquired, disposed of or sold are closed.

4. Parks, beaches, swimming pools, markets, nightclubs, casinos cannot be open. Hotels, guesthouses, lodges, private and public game reserves are closed with the exception of their current guests.

5. On-consumption liquor premises, such as bars, shebeens, taverns are required to be closed.

6. Off-consumption liquor premises, like liquor stores and supermarket, will not be allowed to sell alcohol.

7. Shopping malls, excluding grocery stores and pharmacies, are closed.

8. Restaurants and food delivery services are closed.

9. Citizens cannot leave their homes to walk their dogs, go for a jog or walk.

Many businesses and individuals are affected by the lockdown do’s and don’ts. It remains to be seen if it will be effective.

“You can walk your dog around your house and it can’t go beyond that,” said Cele.

Restricted opening hours for grocery stores are being discussed and citizens are asked to go to their closest store, which includes spaza shops.

Those found breaking the lockdown are liable to 6 months imprisonment or a fine or both. The South African presidency through their Twitter page has all the other restrictions listed.

“For 21 days, please stay sober,” said Cele.