South Africa entered lockdown level 3 on Monday, December 28. Among other rules changes associated with the heightened lockdown, it will be a crime for at least the next two weeks to be in public without wearing a mask.
As part of the new rules not wearing a mask is now a criminal offence and people who aren’t wearing masks in public can be arrested.
Until now the owners and managers of shops and public buildings, employers and operators of public transport have had a legal responsibility to ensure that everyone entering their premises or vehicle is wearing a mask.
“But given the grave danger our country now faces, the adjusted level 3 regulations will make every individual legally responsible for wearing a mask in public,” said Ramaphosa.
From now on it is compulsory for every person to wear a mask in a public space.
“A person who does not wear a cloth mask covering over the nose and mouth in a public place will be committing an offence,” he said.
A person who does not wear a mask could be arrested and prosecuted.
On conviction, they will be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both a fine and imprisonment.
“This is a drastic measure but is now necessary to ensure compliance with the most basic of preventative measures,” Ramaphosa said.