After a steady decline in COVID-19 cases, restrictions on people's movements and gatherings have eased in South Africa. Lockdown restrictions now allow for larger gatherings, longer trading hours for alcohol sales, and an extended curfew. Inter-provincial travel for leisure has resumed, and restaurants, taverns, bars, and fitness centres are open.
Additionally, South Africa's third wave of coronavirus infections has officially ended, according to a statement released by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases on Sunday (26 September). According to the institute, the national seven-day average of daily case numbers, positivity rate, and testing rate are all steadily decreasing. Given this trend South Africa’s regulations are expected to ease again in the next few weeks.