President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation last night and announced that the country remains on adjusted alert level 3 and therefore the status quo of ‘Racing Behind Closed Doors’ as per the NHA’s Press Release on 29 December 2020 remains in place.

Some salient points of the President’s speech last night are:

1. The pandemic in our country is now at its most devastating level.

1. The number of new infections, hospital admissions and deaths is higher now than it has ever been since the first case was recorded in our country in March 2020.

1. Since New Year’s Day, we have recorded nearly 190 000 new infections.

1. The country has recorded more than 4 600 Covid-19 deaths so far this year alone with more than 33 000 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.

1. As a proportion of the population, the province with the highest average number of cases over the last seven days is KwaZulu-Natal, followed by Western Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. 

1. New infections in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape have grown fast and have now far exceeded the peak during the first wave.

1. Infections in Gauteng are growing exponentially and are expected to increase further as more residents of Gauteng return to the province following the festive break.

1. We do know that this new variant of the virus spreads much faster than the earlier variants. This explains the fact that many more people have become infected in a far shorter space of time.

1. Now more than ever, we must each make a deliberate decision to avoid any unnecessary contact with other people.

1. Given the risk of widespread transmission, most indoor and outdoor gatherings are not permitted.  This includes social gatherings and gatherings at sports grounds, etc.

A further update will be provided by 26 January in respect of Riders being domiciled in one region.

The NHA reiterates that the proven non-pharmaceutical measures of wearing of masks, hand sanitizing/washing for at least 20 seconds and social distancing of at least 1,5m apart, is critical and the Chief Compliance Officer, Mr Arnold Hyde, together with his team shall continue to ensure same is done throughout a race meeting.  

Please be reminded that the wearing of masks in a public place is mandatory and is one of the best ways to prevent transmission.

As and when the President announces any further amendments, the NHA will advise accordingly.