The President of the Republic of South Africa (hereinafter referred to as South Africa) has announced that he will imprisonment up to six months in prison for those who do not wear masks in public places.
On the 29th, according to Business Insider, South African President Cyril Lamafossa announced that he would upgrade the lockdown (blockade) to the highest level of three stages due to the rapid increase in corona19 infection cases and the emergence of a mutant virus. The president announced that it would completely ban social gatherings by January 15 next year, curfew, mandated wearing masks, and restricted alcohol sales.
South Africa’s corona test positive rate has soared from 5% two weeks ago to more than 30% now. In some areas, such as Cape Town, the positivity rate is close to 50%, and the spread is very serious.
President Ramaposa warned, “From now on, everyone should wear masks in public places,” and “Anyone who does not wear a mask covering his nose and mouth is a criminal.” Until now, South African authorities have imposed sanctions only on the business or building owner if people gathered in public places do not wear masks.
However, in the future, the person who does not wear a mask will be held accountable. Anyone who does not wear a mask in public places can be arrested on the spot and face imprisonment and fines of up to six months.
South Africa also announced that it would ban ordinary citizens from 21:00 to 6 the next day. Accordingly, self-employed businesses such as restaurants that are not essential facilities must close at 20:00.
The sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages is also completely prohibited. This is because citizens’ drinking and accidents during the Christmas festival put a burden on medical facilities that have already reached their limits. Alcohol cannot be sold at restaurants and bars, as well as at liquor stores.
“Excessive drinking has increased the number of trauma patients. Gunshot wounds, cuts and car accidents caused by drinking are putting an inevitable burden on already saturated medical facilities,” explained the reason for the ban on alcohol sales.
The revised three-stage lockdown rule will take effect on the 30th, and an extension will be decided on January 15th, 2021. During this period, citizens are not allowed to enter major beaches, dams, lakes, rivers, parks, tourist attractions and public swimming pools.
In South Africa, as of the 29th, there have been more than 1.10,000 corona 19 confirmed cases so far, of which 27,000 have died.
YTN PLUS Reporter Jeong Yoon-joo
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