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You are allowed to cycle, run or walk for only three hours a day starting on Friday.
But after public consultations, the buying and selling of cigarettes and alcohol is still off the table during level 4 of the national Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown.
This is according to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who on Wednesday night outlined the applicable regulations at the start of the less restrictive lockdown from May 1.
Last week President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the national lockdown regulations would be eased from level 5 to level 4 to allow for a gradual opening of economic activity.
On Saturday government presented a consultative document on how best to manage level 4 public activities without risking the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Dlamini-Zuma said on Wednesday that since government had issued a consultative document and called for comments, more than 70 000 comments were received and almost a third of the people lobbied for physical exercising to be allowed.
More than 2 000 people were against the opening of cigarette sales.
In the end government listened, she said, adding that “the sale of tobacco and tobacco-related products was not allowed”.
“Just like all forms of liquor sales are not allowed,” she said during a virtual media briefing.
“Some issues (from the consultation process) were taken on board but others it was not easy. Exercising is allowed under strict conditions between 6am and 9am.”
Between 8pm and 5am no one was allowed out on the streets and those coming back from work must immediately go home.
“You can cycle, run or walk but only within your neighbourhood and within a 5km radius of your home”.
She added that group exercising was prohibited.
Dlamini-Zuma said the public consultation process revealed significant opposition to the sale of cigarettes.
“The reasons are health-related, including the effect of cigarettes on the lungs,” she said.
“The way it (cigarettes) is sometimes shared does not allow for social distancing.”
She said people were allowed to make their own liquor at home but “selling or distribution is prohibited except for exports”.
The non-sale of alcohol had also freed up resources in hospitals and “doctors are happy”.
Alcohol sales, she said, were also a risk because it attracted crowds and very few people drink alone.
Dlamini-Zuma said there were also fewer cases of violent crimes and police were able to focus more of their efforts on Covid-19 services.
She said another popular request was for hairdressers to open, including pedicure and manicure services, but that was not allowed because of social distancing risks.
However, hair care, manicure and pedicure products were allowed to be sold and people could pamper themselves at home.
“We are a listening government but for now it is not possible. When the risks are gone that will be opened,” she said.
In terms of funerals, only close relatives were allowed to attend and night vigils were still prohibited.
She warned businesses and factories that were allowed to open under level 4 to prepare thoroughly because “health protocols still need to be observed, including protective equipment and social distancing”.
“There is no industry that is supposed to undermine those things,” said Dlamini-Zuma, adding that those who are not ready better not open because if there was a viral spread then the company would be forced to close.
“Prepare and spend some money so you can work longer without disturbance,” she said.
The departments working with the sectors would be watching closely.
Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel, speaking at the same briefing, said: “The main point is to save as many lives as possible and avoid the devastation of losing loved ones untimely.”
Patel said the government framework was based on a step-by-step reopening of the economy.
“Level 4 allows for an easing of lockdown measures so the economy could pick up speed,” he said.
He added that the public consultation since Saturday was “short but valuable”.
“Many firms said: please reopen our business or those who were opened said let us extend more”.
He said government wanted to open the economy but the process had to be carefully managed.
“This cautious approach allows us to ease the lockdown measures, looking at how to ensure that we do not spread the virus and return the economy back to level 5”.
He said a number of suggestions from business and unions were helpful and would be given further thought including talks with the affected organisations.
“All of those comments have been valuable to us,” said Patel.
He said the gains of the national lockdown should not be compromised through how the economy was being opened up.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula was expected to provide more details on the strict hygienic conditions for the opening of bus and train services in addition to taxi and e-hailing services.
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