COVID-19: SA venue restrictions eased to 50% capacity

“The approach going forward is that both indoor and outdoor venues can now take up to 50% of their capacity, provided that the criteria for entrance are proof of vaccination or a COVID test not older than 72 hours,” he said.

Where proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test is not provided by attendees, the limit will remain at 1 000 and 2 000 people for indoor and outdoor events respectively.

This adjustment means that cultural, entertainment and sporting events can now begin hosting larger audiences.

Ramaphosa also announced that mask mandates would only apply indoors, whereas the wearing of masks in outdoor spaces would not be required going forward. He said new regulations would be instated to replace the framework of the national state of disaster once a public participation process lapsed on 16 April.

Scientific evidence claims that COVID-19 vaccines can significantly reduce severe illness, hospitalisation or death as a result of COVID-19. Evidence also suggests that vaccines can reduce transmission of the virus where there is close contact between people.

Despite this, South Africans have been largely divided about taking the vaccine, with many having doubts about its efficacy. Others have shown hesitancy based and bodily autonomy and medical grounds.

The SA government says more than 68% of people older than 60 years have been vaccinated, compared to 35% of individuals between 18 and 35 years – arguably the demographic constituting the larger portion of concertgoers. Last month, the government launched the #KeReady campaign, which aims to persuade younger people to take the vaccine. Those who are already vaccinated are being encouraged to take booster shots.

“We would like to encourage those who are vaccinated to go and receive their booster doses. If we are all vaccinated, we can turn our energy, resources and effort to rebuilding our economy and creating much-needed jobs,” Ramaphosa said on Tuesday.