This past week has proven that the number of people infected with coronavirus will continue to increase in South Africa. With this in mind, strict new regulations are being put into place to help minimise the spread. The latest impact we are seeing is in the restaurant and bar scene as new laws restrict trading.

With Health Minister Zweli Mkhize saying that between 60% and 70% of South Africans will contract COVID-19. There is a silver lining with him stating that only a fraction of that percentage will be serious cases, in fact that only around 20% of the estimated percentage of cases in SA could potentially be life-threatening.

Source: National Institute for Communicable Diseases

Strict New Regulations For All Bars, Restaurants, And Shebeens

With the seriousness of the virus all impacting us, it’s understandable that the government is strongly encouraging us all to continue social distancing. As part of the Disaster Management Act, the SA government has introduced strict new regulations to ensure the containment of the virus.

All bars, clubs, shebeens and some restaurants must close at 18:00 under strict new state rules. Those that sell alcohol must close their doors at 18:00 on weekdays and Saturdays, and at 13:00 on Sundays and public holidays. However, restaurants can stay open to serve food until late, as long as alcohol is not being served in order to discourage socialisation.

Strict New Hygienic Regulations

There also are new strict hygienic measures that these on-consumption premises must adhere to. All staff must increase their cleaning regimes and mandatory hand-washing protocols are in place. Extra sanitisation stations need to be in place, all patrons of said establishments are encouraged to sanitise their hands.

Moreover, all on-consumption premises selling alcohol, this includes restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels are not allowed to have more than 50 people at the same time. If more than that number is present, they will be forced to close with immediate effect. This also applies to bottle stores or businesses that sell alcohol. There will also be no special or events liquor licenses granted during the duration of the national state of disaster.

This is a time to support your locals by ordering in, as we are all encouraged to self-isolate. It’s proving to be tough for businesses big and small with these strict new regulations now put in place, so show support in any way you can.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY BE INFECTED

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has a toll-free number for the public that deals with Covid 19 related issues or questions: 0800 029 999. The line is operated 24 hours a day.

If you want to know more about the Coronavirus and what to buy, make sure to check out our guide on what to get.