THE government has moved the country from the blue colour code to the purple one, in a bid to impose sterner measures to control the escalating COVID-19 infection rate.

Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro made the announcement in his national address on Thursday night, showing that the status changes with effect from Friday midnight.
He said in the last three weeks, COVID-19 infections and related have increased tremendously, putting a huge strain on the already over-stretched health system.
Dr Majoro said the country has exceeded the 5percent positivity rate threshold of the epidemic control.
He said at 9-10% and rising, this level of infections coupled with rising health system utilisation and a full blown third wave in South Africa necessitate a review of the current mitigation standard.
He informed the public about the new regulations under the new level, adding that they include extension of a curfew set between 9pm and 5am as well as opening of borders for diplomats, pensioners, workers, students, teachers, business community and patients receiving medical care in South Africa.
The schools, he said will operate on rotational basis, while observing COVID-19 rules and regulations.
“Under the new level, businesses will be allowed to operate from 8am to 6pm,” he said, adding that liquor stores will be allowed to sell takeaways within the same period during week days only.