As part of the Disaster Management Act, government has just introduced strict new measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

On Sunday, president Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster.

With immediate effect, all establishments – including bars, clubs, shebeens and restaurants – that sell liquor must close at 18:00 on weekdays and Saturdays, and at 13:00 on Sundays and public holidays.

The establishments may only open at 09:00 the next morning.

The same regulations apply to all liquor stores.

All on-consumption premises selling liquor, including taverns, restaurants and clubs, are not allowed to have more than 50 people at the same time – or must be closed with immediate effect.

These places must also all adhere to strict hygienic conditions.