Thread by @JacaNews

Happening: President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on the country's response plan to #COVID19.

Ramaphosa says he's alarmed by the dramatic spike in infections. The country now sits on a cumulative total of 866,127 cases. #COVID19

Ramaphosa: Given the rate of infections - there's every possibility that if we don't act immediately, the second wave will be more severe than the first. #COVID19

Ramaphosa raises concerns about the party trends he's noted, making an example with the Matric Rage 2020 where close to 1,000 people were infected. #COVID19

Ramaphosa: Another source of the increase in infections is travel and the failure to observe the basic protocols. #COVID19

Ramaphosa: We have gotten into the festive spirit too early and we've become complacent. The festive season poses the greatest threat to people's lives and the economy. #COVID19

Ramaphosa: Unless we do things differently, this will be the last Christmas for some - unless we take extraordinary measures to circumvent this. #COVID19

Ramaphosa: In addition to the Nelson Mandela Bay, Sarah Baartman district (EC) and the Garden Route district (WC) are now also declared hotspots. Restrictions take effect at midnight. #COVID19

Ramaphosa: We have resolved to implement stricter restrictions to level 1 - drivers of public transport and building managers must ensure the wearing of masks at all times. #COVID19

Ramaphosa: All gatherings must adhere to a headcount of 100 indoors and 250 outdoors, after tears remain banned, differentiated approach will be adopted for beaches and parks. #COVID19

Ramaphosa: Beaches in Eastern Cape and Garden Route beaches will be closed from Dec 16-Jan 3; KZN beaches open expect for major days Dec 16, 25, 31 and Jan 1, 2, 3. Northern Cape beaches remain open. #COVID19

Ramaphosa: Super spreader events must be mitigated.
-There'll now be a 11pm - 4am curfew
-Non-essential essential establishments (restaurants and bars) close at 10pm
-Sale of alcohol only permitted between 10-6pm from Mon to Thurs
-No public consumption of alcohol

#COVID19

Ramaphosa: There is no need for a full lockdown, it would not serve the same purpose as the initial lockdown. #COVID19

Ramaphosa: Keep the celebrations small and safe so we are not faced with a bleak New Year. #COVID19

Ramaphosa: SA has met all requirements for the COVAX consortium - 10% of population will have access early 2021. #COVID19

The briefing concludes.