There appears to be good news for sports fans who are looking to enjoy their favourite sporting event live and in person. Venues hosting these events in South Africa will now be allowed to open to spectators, thanks to an amendment to the Disaster Management Act, which governs lockdown, reports Business Insider.
Since the implementation of lockdown in March 2020, South Africa’s stadiums have been closed to spectators. However, as the country’s lockdown restrictions move to an Adjusted Alert Level 1, coupled with a significant drop in COVID-19 cases, the government is looking to amend this – but with conditions.
According to the gazette released on Monday, amendments to the regulations removed the “attendance of any sporting event by spectators” from the list of “specific exclusions”. However, the venue will still be subject to the country’s restriction on gatherings, with the onus squarely placed on the venue owner or event organiser to ensure these limits are adhered to. If this is not the case, a fine could be issued, or a more severe charge of six months in prison, reports Business Tech.
“The decrease in the number of infections, as well as consultations with relevant stakeholders, has prepared the path for recognised sporting bodies to host sporting events, including both professional and non-professional competitions, subject to strict adherence to the guidelines,” said Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
“As we go out to sporting events to support our teams, let us do so recognising that Covid-19 is still with us. Let us unite in observing Covid-19 protocols by wearing masks, washing hands, and adhering to social distancing measures,” she stated.
Furthermore, stadium owners and operators will need to ensure that all health and safety guidelines are implemented when hosting events.
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