What are the restrictions of movement during lockdown?

Answer: 

Being told to “stay at home” may seem self-explanatory but it is quite a vague command. It invites confusion which in turn leads to questions such as “Well, when am I allowed to leave the property?”, “What if I need something from the store?”, “Can I go see a movie but sit far away from everyone else?”, “Why can’t I take my dog for a walk? it’s not like I will walk in a group”, and “What if I run out of cigarettes?”.

To clarify, here’s what Police Minister Bheki Cele meant when he told the nation to “stay at home”. 

The following places will be off-limits to the public for the duration of SA's national lockdown:

  • Public Parks
  • Flea markets
  • Public swimming pools
  • Beaches
  • Nightclubs
  • Casinos
  • Lodges
  • Guesthouses
  • Hotels
  • Private and public game reserves
  • Holiday resorts
  • Shopping malls (excluding grocery store and pharmacies at the stores)
  • Cinemas
  • Taverns
  • Bars

This means that -

  1. Gatherings will be banned, except for funerals, which must be attended by no more than 50 people.
  2. Movement between provinces, metros and district areas are also banned and roadblocks will be set up on community, provincial and national roads to implement this.
  3. Despite what Health Minister Zweli Mkhize's said earlier on Wednesday, dog-walking and jogging are strictly prohibited during the lockdown period.
  4. Cross-border trips are prohibited during this period, with the exception of the transportation of essential goods and cargo.
  5. Citizens may only leave the house when purchasing essential goods such as groceries, medicine or fuel, when providing an essential service, collecting a social grant, or seeking emergency medical treatment.
  6. Any place normally open to the public where religious, cultural, sporting, entertainment, recreational, organisational or similar activities may take place will be closed.
  7. Individuals residing in a secure complex are allowed to walk around the property unaccompanied, but the use of shared spaces such as the swimming pool is prohibited.
  8. Those living in private houses with a garden are allowed to walk around, provided they stay within the property limits. 

 Note that if you leave your residence for reasons not listed above, you will be subject to a fine and a possible jail sentence of up to 6 months for breaching the lockdown regulations.

Read more on the restrictions of movement during South Africa's 21-day lockdown: https://buff.ly/39WCBrq 

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