What is Level 3 Lockdown in South Africa – Everything You Need to Know
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What is a lockdown?
A lockdown occurs when the authorities impose a partial or total lockdown of an area. This can be done to protect people, property, and places from a threat. Lockdowns are typically implemented for a short period of time, restricting traffic and access to buildings but may also extend to certain areas of a city or state. People and businesses within the area are restricted from leaving, entering, or moving within certain areas. This can be enforced by police, military, or civil authorities. In the case of Johannesburg, the lock-down will be enforced by the city’s traffic department, who will set up roadblocks to stop cars from entering and leaving the city.
Restriction on Vehicles and Traffic
Vehicles in Johannesburg face restrictions during the lockdown. Cars must be parked in designated places and drivers must have a red permit displayed on their windscreen. These measures are intended to reduce the risk of cars being used as weapons. During the lockdown, cars with valid permits can drive around the city, but they must be parked in designated areas when they are done. Drivers are advised not to leave the vehicle without permission. Exempted from these roadblock controls are emergency vehicles, public transport vehicles, taxis, and other vehicles with a red permit.
Restriction on Movement of People Within Locked Areas
During the lockdown, people are advised not to travel in vehicles within the areas being protected. This will be enforced by the Johannesburg traffic department. Those who need to travel within the protected areas are advised to use public transport, walk, cycle, or use other sustainable forms of transportation. The Johannesburg government has advised that people should not try to drive through locked areas, but instead seek alternative routes. The lock-down will also affect access for emergency workers and government officials, who will only be allowed to enter and exit the city from designated areas.
Lock-down in Schools
During the lock-down, schools in Johannesburg will see a partial lock-down. This means that students will be restricted to their buildings, but they will still be able to leave and re-enter as they please. The police will enforce this lock-down. Police will stand guard outside schools to make sure that students do not leave the premises and re-enter them without permission. Parents who live outside the area covered by the lock-down and wish to pick-up their children from school should do so during non-school hours.
Other Consequences of a Lockdown
The lock-down is likely to have a negative impact on ordinary Johannesburg citizens’ daily lives and on businesses and organisations that rely on traffic in the city. The lock-down is likely to cause delays in getting to work, attending medical appointments, or travelling for leisure. People living in the area are advised to plan their journeys around the lock-down and expect delays. The city’s emergency services may also be affected by the lock-down. Some ambulances are unable to enter city areas because they do not have a red permit, which could delay emergency treatments.
Safety Measures for Travellers in Johannesburg and South Africa During the Lockdown
During the lockdown, people in Johannesburg are advised to stay calm, follow instructions of law enforcement officials, and report suspicious behaviour to the authorities. People who are travelling during the lock-down should expect delays in traffic, as well as restricted access to certain areas. People should also be aware that emergency services may also be affected during the lock-down, so they should plan their journeys around the delayed times. People who are travelling to Johannesburg from other parts of South Africa, or from other countries, should allow for extra time for delays and should ensure that their vehicles are licensed and insured for the journey.
Conclusion
A mandatory lock-down in Johannesburg and other parts of the country is an extreme measure that should be used only when all other attempts have failed to curtail rising levels of crime. The government should have taken this measure earlier, rather than waiting until the crime rates were at the highest levels, with many citizens fleeing the area due to safety concerns. The lock-down is unlikely to have a significant impact on the crime rates, but it may have a significant impact on the daily lives of the people living in the city. People are advised to follow the instructions of law enforcement officials and avoid panic-buying of food and other goods.
