14 Aug 2021

Government has reviewed curfew hours, which will now start from 8pm to 4am. Movement had previously been restricted to 10pm and 4am.

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi announced the changes in a national address last night.

He explained that the decision to adjust curfew hours and restrict public movement between such hours was part of government’s strategy to curb the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The President said he felt compelled to address the nation on the pandemic, given the worsening COVID-19 burden, with rising infections and lives being lost on a daily basis.

“COVID-19 infections continue to increase and the current projections show that our nation may not have reached the peak or plateau. Our nation has reached the highest prevalence ever. Almost all zones have turned white which represents a disease burden above 50 persons per 100 000 persons,” he said.

In order to mitigate such, the President said government had also taken a decision to introduce various measures due to be implemented for a three-week period effective August 16.

In addition to the two-hour adjustment to the curfew, he said reopening of schools would be delayed by a further three weeks, except for classes preparing to write their final examinations.

Also, all public gatherings, including kgotla meetings, merapelo, weddings, patlo and magadi will be suspended and the alcohol ban remains.

The President further said the number of people at religious gatherings and church services, however, remain at a maximum of 50 and such services would only be permitted twice a week.

Funerals would now be conducted within a period of five days from date of death while inter-zonal movement continued to be restricted to essential travel only.

The President said different sectors led by ministers and permanent secretaries would elaborate more on the new measures in the coming week.

He further said restrictions were accompanied by an acceleration of the vaccination programme throughout the country. President Masisi also urged the public to verify information regarding COVID-19 before believing or publicly sharing it.

He also pleaded with the nation to continue adhering to basic COVID-19 health protocols. ENDS