South Africa closes casinos due to Covid-19 Delta variant

Casinos, bars, and restaurants will undergo a new two-week lockdown in South Africa due to an uptick of Covid-19 cases in the country.

South Africa.- Authorities have ordered the closure of all casinos along with bars and restaurants as South Africa faces a rise in cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday night that South Africa would enter Level 4 of restrictions, which bans all social gatherings except for funerals, workplaces and shopping. A 9pm curfew is in place and the sale of alcohol is banned.

Casinos, gyms and fitness centres, nightclubs, restaurants (except for food deliveries and takeaways), conferencing exhibition and entertainment facilities are all affected and must remain closed until at least July 11. Flea markets, fetes and bazaars must also close.

Hotels, lodges and bed and breakfasts may only operate at 50 per cent capacity, and may only offer room service and delivery of food. Schools and higher education institutions must be closed for contact classes, while early childhood development centres can remain open.

The regulations will be reviewed after two weeks.