After nearly 60 days of tough Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a drop to Level 3, bringing a significant easing of measures to combat the deadly pandemic.
South Africa has been in Level 4 and Level 5 lockdown since March 27 to give health facilities time to prepare for the inevitable growth of infections that has gradually begun in recent weeks.
"The sale of tobacco products will remain prohibited in alert Level 3 due to the health risks associated with smoking," said the president.
"Should it be necessary, any part of the country could be returned to alert Levels 4 or 5 if the spread of infection is not contained despite our interventions and there is a risk of our health facilities being overwhelmed."
"The implementation of alert Level 3 from the beginning of June will involve the return to operation of most sectors of the economy, subject to the observance of strict health protocols and social distancing rules."
