South Africa closed a majority of its businesses for 14 days while the country was under level 4 lockdown restrictions. Theatres, casinos, bars, and restaurants were among the affected establishments. Hotels stopped accepting new visitors and staff are focused on sanitation for room services rather than customer service.
Online casinos continue operation during the pandemic since their services are remote and electronic payment is convenient in the country. South Africa’s restrictions limit travels between countries and provinces to essential services only such as health workers. Digital platforms are not within the affected areas.
Limitations during the Level 3 restrictions
People are encouraged to visit online platforms such as Jackpot casino for gambling or Netflix for watching movies. Such alternatives are safer than the physical venues and they are now more convenient thanks to their development throughout 2020. Regardless, people will still yearn for on-site experiences so many establishments are opened this August.
Casinos have opened up again as the government lifts the restriction levels back up to level 3. More people may travel between provinces but security measures are still strict on the borders. Some patrons still feel unsafe when visiting public spaces given the nature of the new virus strain.
Restaurants have also opened but with strictly limited capacities. Only 50 individuals are allowed for indoor venues and 100 for outdoor with each patron seated one metre apart. All of these count the restaurant staff members serving the customers. Parks, botanical gardens, beaches, and swimming pools are also open for a limited number of guests only. Capacities may vary between local governments.
Sporting events and nightclubs remain closed. Night vigils are also banned in accordance with the curfew hours. After funeral events, including the traditional ‘after tears, are prohibited across the country. Cruise ships or ferries are also banned for leisure travels but passenger vehicles between provinces are allowed.
Alcoholic beverages are now available in stores, bars, and taverns. They are also subject to the same capacity limit as restaurants. Alcohol is still under careful watch as well as the stores that offer them. Getting intoxicated while at home is fine so citizens are encouraged to stay indoors as much as possible if their only intention is to relax or let loose.
COVID-19 Delta Variant
The reason for most of the world’s lockdown between July and August is the explosion of the COVID-19 Delta variant. Healthcare researchers in each country saw a rapid growth of infected cases, often counting thousands every day. This new strain shows a dangerous level of infectiousness compared to 2020’s coronavirus as well as more severe symptoms.
Level 3 curfew
All establishments are subject to a curfew. All stores have to close between 22:00 and 4:00 every day during the lockdown. The public is trusted to follow all health regulations in the morning as most people are already educated on what to do.
Although casinos and gaming centres are open, they are still subject to distancing requirements. Thus, many patrons can’t enter the premises even if they went through the trouble of travelling. Online entertainment like Jackpot casino and streaming services are still many people’s sources of entertainment.