Debates are raging about whether we will move to Level 3 on 1 June. The draft framework for level 3 is currently under discussion – however this is what it looked like last week.
What’s “new”, What will stay the same, Current discussion points and EDGE’s take on the current situation
What’s “new”
- Clothing, textiles and footwear ramps up to full capacity
- Stationary will be available – already available under 4
- Sale of off-premise alcohol, subject to limited hours (Mon-Wed, 8-12)
- Postal and courier services resume – already resumed 14th May
- Limited domestic air travel, with a restriction on the number of flights per day – however many airlines have stated that it is not possible to resume flights with restrictions on passenger numbers as it would not be cost effective
- Full mining operations resume
- Gardening and swimming pool services –
- Walking, jogging and cycling, but no time limits specified – The president has already intimated this may come into play in level 4
- The sale of tobacco products
What will stay the same?
- Curfews from 8pm to 5am – current curfew is 7pm – 5am, although it was originally legislated to be 8pm – 5am under level 4
- Public gatherings prohibited
- Stay at home, other than essential travel for work and the purchase of essential items
- No recreational travel to meet family or friends
Current discussion points!
Restaurants have petitioned government to be allowed to open in Level 3 – this does however seem unlikely at this point.
Schools will open on 1 June for grades 7 and 12 – however with over 3,400 schools lacking water and/or proper sanitation the relevant unions and associations are still seeking clarity on how teachers and pupils will be properly protected.
Note’s from Edge
Perhaps we must remember that we are in a trial period. With the potential to go back up a level as the spread of the virus ebb’s and flows – at least if we get the levels drafted now we know exactly what to expect as the government makes decisions on changes to the level in the future.
